"It's going to be huge," said Jim Wilson, the town's historic preservation officer.

"We knew there would be at least 12 episodes," said Mr. Wilson, the preservation officer.

The Commission is supported by a professional staff of planners, architects, urban designers, historic preservation officers, among others.

Including the rent from two apartments in their building, she and her husband, Charles, the city's historic preservation officer, have a total income of $63,000.

Bernadette Castro, the state historic preservation officer, confirmed that money was a problem.

Chris Cain, the city's historic preservation officer said, "This is a building of importance".

Now they have heard from the regional historic preservation officer that the building is eligible for listing.

The program, while voluntary, has proved successful, said Randy Pace, Houston's historic preservation officer.

The preservation officer cited the main building, with its numerous windows and imposing bulk, as an excellent example of 19th-century industrial architecture.

As preservation officer, Ms. Castro said, she will work first with the refuge complex's regional office.