James Judson and Lena Carter Carroll House
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in 1912, with 1924 alterations by architect Birdsall P. Briscoe, this was the home of James Judson Carroll (1876-1938), noted businessman and ornithologist, and Lena (Carter) 1879-1971) his wife, who was a member of a prominent lumber company family. The classical revival residence features interior carvings by artist Peter Mansbendel, two-story colossal columns, a distinctive balustrade, and large windows on the principal facade. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1997
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1912 and remodeled in 1924 by noted architect Birdsall P. Briscoe, this classical revival house was home to businessman and ornithologist James Judson Carroll and his wife Lena, from a prominent lumber family. Its colossal two-story columns, fine balustrade, and interior carvings by artist Peter Mansbendel reflect the confident wealth of early-twentieth-century Houston. The residence remains a showcase of period craftsmanship.
Why it matters
The home reflects how the fortunes of the Texas lumber and commercial boom translated into refined architecture and patronage of the arts in a rising Southern city.
Own a business near here? Add it to the map.
Related people
- · James Judson Carroll
- · Lena Carter Carroll
- · Birdsall P. Briscoe
- · Peter Mansbendel
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Edwin and Daphne Neville House
Houston, TX
This two-and-a-half-story brick Tudor Revival residence was designed in 1914 by Houston architect Birdsall P. Briscoe, and it still keeps its original floor plan, half-timbered gables, steep hipped roof, and one-story brick loggias. It was home to Edwin L. Neville, a partner at Dorrance & Company, and his wife Daphne Palmer, both active in Houston civic life through the Community Chest, the Junior League, and area hospitals and chapels. The house stayed in the Neville family until 1949.
W. T. Carter, Sr. House
Houston, TX
Built in 1920 to designs by noted Houston architect Birdsall Briscoe, this Georgian Revival house drew timber magnate William T. Carter, Sr. and his wife Maude from their Main Street mansion to Courtlandt Place, where three of their grown children already lived in an unbroken row of family homes. Carter's fortune came from a large East Texas timber operation centered on Camden. The design blends Tudor and Classical Revival touches—gabled dormers, a slate roof, and Flemish-bond brickwork.
Thomas J. and Mary Donoghue House
Houston, TX
Thomas J. Donoghue, a founder and executive of the Texas Company (Texaco), and his wife Mary built this Georgian Revival house in 1915–16. Designed by the celebrated New York firm Warren and Wetmore with carvings by master artisan Peter Mansbendel, it stood in Houston's exclusive Courtlandt Place neighborhood and remained in the family until 1966.
W. T. Carter, Jr., House
Houston, TX
This 1912 Prairie-style home, designed by noted architects Birdsall Briscoe and Olle Lorehn, was built for lumber and real-estate magnate W. T. Carter, Jr., and his wife Lillie. Carter served on the Houston City Council and Port Commission and developed the city's first public airport, later William P. Hobby Airport; the family kept the house until 1978.