Statement of Significance (as of designation - November 4, 1993):
As a rare surviving intact community, Roma's architectural fabric represents the evolution of a key town in the border region during the 19th century. Roma is the only intact U.S. settlement that derives from the mid-18th century colonization and town planning efforts of Jose de Escandon; the Escandon town planning, colonization, and land grant system are of key historic significance in the development of Spanish Empire and in the unfolding of the Mexican Northeast and the American Southwest, 1748-1835. Roma's buildings form a virtual "living catalog" of the different building technologies uses along hte lower Rio Grande in the 19th century. The brickwork of a number of residences and commercial structures in the district that were designed by Henrique Portscheller is strikingly elegant, featuring rounded corners and finely carved classical motifs.

Condition:
The National Historic Landmark Historic District encompasses over 40 properties in the historic center of Roma, Texas, including the 1928 international suspension bridge over the Rio Grande. Since the 2004 NHL Status Report, the second phase of the Roma Restoration Project is nearing completion. Funded by the enhancement program of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the project recovers the historic plaza with the removal of an insensitive 1976 pedestrian mall, and the rehabilitation of several buildings, which are slated for interpretation of the natural heritage along the Rio Grande. After the completion of phase 2 in July 5, 2006, the city will continue the third phase of the Roma Restoration Project pending approval of a new application by TxDOT to finish the lower portion of the plaza, and rehabilitate another set of buildings to interpret the cultural heritage of the lower Rio Grande border region. With phase 2 completion, Roma is set to become a magnet for cultural and heritage tourists in the region. Rehabilitation work on the Roma-Miguel Aleman International Suspension bridge is still pending, although Mexico renewed its commitment to raise the funds to repair their half of the bridge. As stated in the 2004 NHL Status Report, Mexico designated their portion of the bridge as a National Artistic Monument to match the national designation of the US part of the structure.

Changes since the 2004 report include the completion of phase 2 of the Roma Restoration Project described above. In January 2007, TxDOT will make a decision on whether funding for the third phase of the project will be awarded per the application submitted by the city to the enhancement program. In 2005, the prominent Manuel Guerra Store on the plaza fell into disrepair after private owners discontinued an effort to turn it into an income producing property. As stated in the 2004 NHL report, the Noah Cox House, another prominent structure in the plaza, remains in disrepair. In 2006, the city enacted a Historic Preservation Ordinance and created a five-member Historic Landmark Commission. This will ensure that residents of the historic district will consult with the commission prior to proposed demolitions and alterations. The city is also pursuing Certified Local Government designation at this time.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
The natural heritage interpretive center to be inaugurated in July will be managed by both the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with trained staff and interpretive exhibits. This will not be the case with the cultural heritage interpretive center planned for phase 3 of the Roma Restoration Project. That center will be managed by the city, which does not have experience in this type of activity. The city will need training and guidance in planning for exhibits, staffing of the center, organizing tours, publishing brochures, and developing educational activities to engage students in appreciation of the local heritage. NPS training assistance in this regard would be ideal, as well as in completion of an Interpretive Prospectus. Both the Noah Cox House and the Manuel Guerra Store should be purchased by the city so they may be incorporated into interpretive activities, or, at a minimum, leased as income producing properties under city ownership and protection.