Putting Up

But Lynda Nichols's three-year fight leaves her wary. Ceilings more than 20 feet high vastly escalate renovation costs. And she has already drained more than $100,000 in funds from her personal savings and insurance company. She has tried to find buyers for the block, even offering owner financing. "A young person needs to come in here and fix these buildings," Nichols says.

The irony does not escape her. The historic downtown district is reawakening. There are the prospects of new prosperity and interest, both from the push to have nearby U.S. 59 transformed into Interstate 69 and the flow of development from Houston through adjacent Fort Bend County. Meanwhile, Nichols is paying dearly for having stepped forward earlier to ensure that Wharton can still offer its unique character.

Deron Neblett

Nichols thought her war with Wharton authorities ended when she bought the Burger Block: It didn't.

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More About

• Lynda Nichols
• Harry Burger
• Downtown Wharton
• Politics
• Local Politics

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"When I bought those buildings, I thought I was helping to preserve history," she says. "Now I wonder if I really did the right thing."