Taco + Tequila Event at Mendez Law Firm Boosts Brownsville Preservation Society Membership

Trey Mendez Addresses Crowd of 120 for Brownsville Preservation Society Event

On a crisp December Saturday over 100 gathered in the courtyard of Trey Mendez Law Office at 647 E. Saint Charles for a "Taco +Tequila" Brownsville Preservation Society membership event.  

Mendez has refurbished the historic home, now his law office, preserving original features such as the pine floor. Part of the flooring had been replaced with tile by a previous owner, but similar boards were discovered elsewhere in the home and carefully cut to fit by local historian and builder, Larry Lof.  A previously unfinished attic with a pull down stairs has been turned into a beautiful loft with formal staircase.

The courtyard features the old brick pavers, a wishing well water feature surrounded by lush St. Augustine and out buildings converted into offices.

The BPS feels that preserving the character and historicity of Brownsville's historic buildings has economic as well as artistic benefits.

In a December 2015 letter to the editor, Mendez wrote the Herald: 

It is often said that Brownsville is the second-most historic city in Texas, right behind San Antonio, but I would venture to say that our place on that list is in jeopardy.

Many of our historic buildings and homes are being torn down, are undergoing shoddy or illegal “remodeling” efforts or are simply suffering from a lack of maintenance, commonly referred to as “demolition by neglect.”

 Mendez also highlighted the benefit to the city in preserving these buildings:

Generally, historic structures are valuable not only from a cultural perspective, but have also proven to be strong drivers for economic development. Various studies have shown that districts with rehabilitated older structures thrive, providing an avenue for art, culture and new jobs, and ultimately create heritage tourism, something that has brought millions of dollars in revenues to other cities throughout the nation, such as San Antonio and New Orleans. We are missing out.

Everyone who purchased a $30 ticket for last night's event received a one year membership in the Brownsville Preservation Society.