History of the Organization

Spring 2003 signs went up around the Jim West Mansion in the Clear Lake area of Houston, TX. The signs were erected by a commercial broker and solicited interest in the old mansion and its surrounding acreage. Linda Sansing, Becky Caudle and Paula Swearingen had admired the historic old mansion for many years and saw an opportunity to protect and preserve it. The three ladies envisioned acquiring it, restoring it and making it accessible to the public. They began researching the property and discussing a plan of action. As the three women were uninterested in profiting by their dream, papers were filed with the Texas Office of the Secretary of State to create and incorporate Preserved in Time, Inc. as a non-profit organization.

On October 14, 2003 Articles of Incorporation had been approved and granted by the state. The organization was officially a Texas Non-Profit Corporation. Following the official designation, Linda Sansing and Paula Swearingen began the process of submitting grant proposals in an effort to raise funds for the acquisition of the stately mansion and its outbuildings and surrounding property. The organization quickly realized that a “Determination Letter” from the IRS was needed before grant proposals could be considered. Paula Swearingen consulted with the organization’s attorney and filed the appropriate paperwork with the federal government. On May 4, 2004, Preserved in Time received a 501 (c) (3) designation from the United States Department of Treasury - Internal Revenue Service.

Paula Swearingen left the organization during the summer of 2004. By August her vacated position was filled by Ellen Goodrich King. Several foundations contacted Preserved in Time during the fall of 2004. The organization was advised a preservation architect was needed along with a signed contract outlining a firm price. Ellen King contacted Michael Gaertner, a well recommended preservation architect located in Galveston, TX. The three ladies met with him on December 20, 2004. Mr. Gaertner expressed an interest in handling the restoration project and both parties agreed to work together. Preserved in Time then made an effort to submit a proposal to the West Mansion’s owners. Alas, plans to sell the mansion had been abandoned!

In November 2006 brokerage signs reappeared around the mansion. Linda Sansing spoke with the broker and forwarded correspondence expressing Preserved in Time’s interest in purchasing the impressive old building. The brokerage firm advised Mrs. Sansing that the new owner was exploring options and not ready to make any decisions.

February 2007 Preserved in Time was contacted by a local real estate company. They were aware of the organization’s interest in acquiring the mansion. Preserved in Time immediately contacted the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, the preservation architect, Michael Gaertner, and the Texas Historical Commission. The real estate company was granted permission to pursue the purchase of the Jim West Mansion on behalf of Preserved in Time. During this time rumors of a demolition date surfaced in Clear Lake. Prior research conducted by Linda Sansing and Paula Swearingen in the Rice University basement during the fall of 2003 alluded to deed restrictions protecting the Jim West Mansion for twenty years. Linda Sansing quickly contacted the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance regarding the deed restrictions. The GHPA was able to locate the deed restrictions and notify the mansion’s current owner. Soon after, it was announced that the property had been purchased by a development company in Minnesota.

On March 26, 2008 Preserved in Time’s commercial broker contacted Linda Sansing with the news that the mansion was once again available. The Minnesota development company had not found it feasible to use the old mansion in their plans. Preserved in Time was invited to submit a proposal for the mansion and 13 surrounding acres. The acreage included all of the mansion’s supporting structures.

The Preserved in Time officers were given the opportunity to view the Jim West Mansion on April 4, 2008. They were accompanied by staff members of the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance and by the preservation architect, Michael Gaertner. Although the mansion had deteriorated over the years, the group determined preserving it was still a viable option. Negotiations began on April 10, 2008, when Preserved in Time submitted a proposal to purchase the Jim West Mansion and thirteen surrounding acres. By August 31, 2008, Preserved in Time had grown from 3 to12 volunteers. A mass mail out soliciting donor memberships was conducted and several thousand dollars were raised.

Hurricane Ike slammed the Texas gulf coast at 2:10 AM on September 13, 2008. It made landfall on Galveston Island and continued inland into Clear Lake. Although it was a strong category 2 based on its wind speed, it will long be remembered as one of the most devastating storm surge hurricanes to affect the Upper Texas and Louisiana Coasts within the last 150 years of records. Storm surge flooded the hotel across the street, but did not enter the stately West Mansion. It stood strong in the face of battering winds and advancing water. Prior to the storm’s landfall, Clear Lake residents were asked to evacuate the area. Preserved in Time volunteers packed and left wondering what they would return home to. Efforts to raise the needed funds for the West Mansion project were temporarily derailed. They were “Iked”!!

By mid-October the Preserved in Time volunteers had returned, cleaned up their yards and homes, and were ready to once again work on the West Mansion project. Organized by volunteer, Jennifer Mason, a “volunteer kickoff” was held at the local Hilton the evening of October 17, 2008. The charity organization increased its volunteer base to 60. Plans were made to host 2 events during the month of November, a “High Tea” and a “Fashion Fundraiser.” Linda Sansing began to receive numerous phone calls and emails from the general public. One phone contact was made by Lawrence “Chap” Chapman of Next Generation Advisors. Yet another volunteer joined the Preserved in Time staff!

Preserved in Time hired Latimer & Associates just prior to the December 2008 holidays. The highly recommended firm was hired to conduct a financial feasibility study and to handle the grant process with private foundations. During the December visit, it was decided Preserved in Time should consider purchasing the entire 41 acres surrounding the Jim West Mansion. The year ended well for Preserved in Time. Despite Hurricane Ike, approximately $ 21,000.00 in donations was received.

The ambitious project continued to move forward during the spring of 2009. The “Step into the Past: A Roaring Twenties Murder Mystery” was a huge success. Held at the historic waterfront 1927 home of one of the organization’s volunteers, tickets oversold within a week. Guests enjoyed a cash wine bar, murder mystery, string quartet, jazz trio, buffet meal and silent auction. By April a professional fundraiser and real estate attorney had volunteered their services. A 48 hour access period was granted by Mr. Olajuwon and his attorneys. This was done to allow Preserved in Time the opportunity to prepare a restoration budget. It was also done to allow key donors an opportunity to personally tour the mansion and view it first hand. 

Hakeem Olajuwon arrived in Houston for a two month visit mid-September 2009. During his stay Preserved in Time forwarded a letter of intent and began contract negotiations for the West Mansion. The negotiations died when Mr. Olajuwon notified Preserved in Time he could not allow an eight month closing period. Preserved in Time had planned to apply for grant monies to acquire the mansion. The grant process takes approximately eight months, and Preserved in Time could not agree to close within three months. Mr. Olajuwon left Houston mid-November with a contract unsigned.

Undaunted, the organization welcomed 2010 with a new strategy. Preserved in Time could close within three months if it could raise the acquisition monies through letters of commitment. The organization began soliciting donors willing to commit to the project and forward monies at closing.

Rumors that the Ross Sterling Mansion was possibly going on the market reached Preserved in Time mid-February 2010. For several years the organization had considered the Sterling Mansion another outstanding property worthy of acquiring and sharing with the public for educational purposes. Preserved in Time officers quickly investigated the rumors. A contract was signed and earnest monies forwarded on May 3, 2010. With the signing of the contract for the Sterling Mansion, Preserved in Time grew from one project to two projects. Efforts continued to solicit donors willing to commit to the acquisition of the West Mansion, while efforts began to raise the grant monies needed to acquire the Sterling Mansion.

For the remainder of 2010 Preserved in Time conducted its due diligence with regard to the Sterling Mansion project. A letter designed to solicit interest in the project was forwarded to several foundations, and Lisa Freudenburg of Freudenburg & Associates was hired to appraise the property. During a meeting with Morgan’s Point city officials in late May, Preserved in Time was urged to have an inspection conducted to determine what would be needed to bring the Sterling Mansion up to code. The organization hired Joe Billman of Bay Area Inspection Service to perform the inspection.

The Sterling Mansion was zoned “residential/single family dwelling.” This zoning would have prohibited Preserved in Time from implementing its business and education plans which included a museum, tours, educational workshops, a day spa, weddings and events. The organization could not restore and properly maintain the mansion and its grounds or honor its mission without the implementation of its plans. With the current owner’s blessings, Preserved in Time attended a Morgan’s Point city council meeting in October 2010 to request the mansion be rezoned. The request was honored and Preserved in Time was scheduled to present proposed rezoning text to the city’s Planning & Zoning Committee on February 24, 2011.

A small group opposed Preserved in Time acquiring the Sterling Mansion and making it available to the public. Sadly, the Morgan’s Point Planning & Zoning Committee denied Preserved in Time’s request to have the Sterling Mansion rezoned. Although Preserved in Time could have continued fighting for rezoning, the organization did not wish to see the current owners suffer any further duress. Preserved in time released them from the contract prior to its expiration date in May. As the Sterling Mansion project was a significant piece of Preserved in Time’s history, its business and education plans remained on the website along with the proposed rezoning text.

January 2011 a dumpster surfaced on the West Mansion property, and Preserved in Time became deluged with emails and phone calls from concerned community members. The deed restrictions placed on the mansion by Rice University and Exxon protected it from demolition for 20 years. Those deed restrictions were scheduled to expire July 2012. The arrival of the dumpster also concerned Preserved in Time. During the organization’s “Second Annual Casino Night” held at the Houston Yacht Club, the organization expressed its concern and urged its guests to encourage advocates and benefactors for the West Mansion project. Activities continued on the West Mansion property through 2011. The arrival of January 2012 found Preserved in Time continuing to monitor the activities at the West Mansion; as, the organization researched and considered three additional historic properties.