HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Brulay House

Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas

Marker Inscription

In 1925, Louis and Inez (Grider) Brulay contracted with prominent Brownsville architect E. Guy Holliday to design a house within the city’s first suburb. Louis Brulay was the son of George Brulay, a French native who owned and operated the successful Brulay Sugar Plantation outside of the city. The home’s architectural influence follows the Spanish-Mediterranean style, prominent during this time and complementary to the region’s climate. Curved archways with Spanish tile accents, white textured stucco and red clay terracotta roof tiles adorn this historic structure. RECORDED TEXAS HISTORIC LANDMARK – 2016

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

In 1925 Louis and Inez Brulay hired prominent Brownsville architect E. Guy Holliday to design this Spanish-Mediterranean home in the city's first suburb, complete with curved archways, white textured stucco, and a red terracotta roof. Louis was the son of George Brulay, a French immigrant whose Brulay Sugar Plantation outside the city was among the region's early agricultural ventures.

Why it matters

The Brulay name ties Brownsville's suburban growth to the immigrant planters who helped build the Valley's early economy.

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Related people

  • · Louis Brulay
  • · Inez Grider Brulay
  • · George Brulay
  • · E. Guy Holliday

Themes & tags

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