HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the reinstallation of the historic bricks in Freedmen's Town at the corner of Andrews and Genese has started.
Turner said Wednesday morning Houston Public Works crews began the reinstallation process.
The original bricks were temporarily removed to complete storm drainage improvements in the Fourth Ward.
“We will continue to work with the community to preserve this important historical neighborhood,” Turner said. “The bricks were originally laid down by freed slaves more than 100 years ago. I am pleased we could start this project before the end of February.”
VIDEO: Freedmen's Town brick reinstallation underway
Over 3,610 bricks were removed from the area in November 2016 after they were accidentally disturbed by a city contractor working on a drainage project.
The bricks were cleaned, cataloged and stored while the infrastructure project was being completed.
The reinstallation of the bricks was supposed to be completed by December, but weather-related issues delayed the completion date.
The city said an archeologist will be on-site to oversee the project and prepare a final report.