West Hill
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Tradition says architect Abner Cook built this house for Ruben and Mary Runner about 1855. Some later owners were F.E. Chandler and H.E. Shelley, lawyers, 1863-1909; The May Thompson family, 1917-69. Originally the house faced east, preempting the entire 1700 block, Rio Grande to West Avenue, with a separate kitchen, carriage house, other structures on the grounds. Severe changes and decay preceded the beginning of restoration by the Travis Williamson family in 1970. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1974
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Tradition holds that noted architect Abner Cook built this Austin house for Ruben and Mary Runner about 1855. Over the decades it passed through lawyers, the Thompson family, and eventual decline before the Travis Williamson family began restoring it in 1970. Originally the home faced east and commanded an entire block with its own kitchen and carriage house. It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Why it matters
The house reflects the craftsmanship of Abner Cook, the builder who shaped much of antebellum Austin's finest architecture.
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Related people
- · Abner Cook
- · Ruben Runner
- · Mary Runner
Themes & tags
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