La Porte Rail Park Site History
In 1963, the Southern Pacific Railroad purchased this site, which is adjacent to the rail line completed in the 19th century, for future rail transportation purposes. Union Pacific acquired Southern Pacific in 1996, and today, this site is located along one of the busiest points on the entire Union Pacific Railroad network. Union Pacific has determined that now is the right time to develop the site for a rail-served purpose.
Timeline of Property
1853
Houston Ship Channel improvements commenced.
1892 - 1895
La Porte, Houston and Northern Railroad company line installed
1952
City of Lomax incorporated, including site.
Source: 1972 City of Lomax Zoning Ordinance
1963
Site purchased by Southern Pacific Railroad for future transportation purposes.
1972
Site zoned Industrial by city of Lomax. (No prior evidence of zoning.)
1977
Barbours Cut Terminal opened.
1980
City of Lomax merged into City of La Porte.
Source: 1981-1985 City of La Porte Zoning Map, Ordinance No. 780
1981
Site is zoned Commercial by the City of La Porte.
Source: 1987 City of La Porte Official Zoning Map, Article 2 of Ordinance No. 1501
1987
Site is zoned Residential / Light Industrial / General Commercial by the City of La Porte.
1996
Union Pacific completes acquisition of the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Source: 2005 City of La Porte Official Zoning Map, Ordinance No. 1501
2005
Site zoned Large Lot Residential / Light Industrial / General Commercial by the City of La Porte.
2023 - 2024
Union Pacific commences community engagement and rezoning application for site.