Status: Endangered
Address: 269 (formerly 259) South Center Street, Collierville
Built: ca. 1884
Architectural Style: Central Hall Plan
Original Function/Purpose: Residential

History: The J.W. Houston House was built on what was then the extreme southern edge of the Town of Collierville. At the time, Mr. Houston was operating plantation farming enterprises in several areas nearby, as well as serving as alderman for the Town of Collierville. It is a unique two-story example of a vernacular L-plan structure with Italianate style details, and demonstrates the late survival of this popular architectural form late into the nineteenth century in rural areas of Shelby County and the region as a whole. The important architectural and historical characteristics consistent with others from this era are still retained in the structure today. The home most recently served as a law office but has been foreclosed. Demolition has been postponed by action of the Collierville Historic District Commission; hopes are that a buyer will redevelop this property as well as a nearby 1910 shotgun-style house at 279 South Center Street.
City Council District: N/A
Super District: N/A
County Commission District: 2