Residents rally to restore Emerald House

Ozona—The Crockett County Historical Commission is asking residents to help preserve the county’s oldest surviving structure through a new community campaign called “Save the Emerald House.”

The commission welcomed a roomful of Ozona citizens at the Crockett County Youth & Civic Center on Feb. 5, where members outlined plans to restore and protect the historic Emerald House. Support for the effort was unanimous, organizers said, as attendees shared memories and voiced enthusiasm for saving the landmark.

Built in 1889, the Emerald House is the oldest remaining structure in Crockett County. The home was originally located in the ghost town of Emerald, about six miles from Ozona, before being moved into town.

From the early 1890s through the early 1980s, the Emerald House stood at the corner of 11th Street and Avenue F, serving as a residence for several local families. It was later relocated to the Crockett County rodeo grounds.

The Historical Commission is working to preserve and restore the Emerald House so it can serve as a central gathering space for Ozona residents.

“Our vision is to rehabilitate the property and transform it into a shared space,” said Alma Martinez, president of the Crockett County Historical Commission. 

Several attendees echoed Martinez’s remarks, recalling parties, meetings and community events held at the Emerald House.

Preservation plan underway

In spring 2025, Preservation Texas, a nonprofit historical restoration organization, examined the Emerald House and determined the structure remains sound but requires two key improvements: relocation to a better site and cosmetic remodeling.

Commission leaders announced a phased approach to completing the project. Plans include structural stabilization and relocation, exterior and interior restoration and remodeling, and landscaping.

Once restored, the commission hopes the Emerald House will serve multiple community purposes, including:

Community support and donor opportunities

To help fund the restoration, the commission has created several donor categories and incentives designed to encourage broad community participation.

Information about the campaign is available through the Crockett County Historical Commission website, including board member contact details for questions, comments and donations.

Commission members said community involvement will be essential in ensuring the Emerald House remains a lasting part of Crockett County’s heritage.