Henry Hirshfeld House and Cottage facts for kids
The Henry Hirshfeld House and Cottage are two historic homes located in downtown Austin, Texas, USA. These buildings were once the cherished residences of the prominent Hirshfeld family. The smaller cottage was built in 1873, and it was home to Henry Hirshfeld and his wife, Jennie. Later, in 1885, a larger house was built next to it, designed by a local architect named John Andrewartha.
Today, these well-preserved homes serve a new purpose. They house the Office of Governmental Relations for the Texas A&M University System, which is a big group of universities in Texas. You can find these interesting buildings at 303 and 305 W. 9th Street. Because of their historical importance, both buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
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Henry Hirshfeld House and Cottage
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The Hirshfield House in 2007
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| Location | Austin, Texas, USA |
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| Built | 1873 and 1885 |
| Architect | John Andrewartha (1885) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001978 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 13, 1973 |
Contents
The Hirshfeld Family: A Look Back
The Hirshfeld family played an important role in Austin's history. Henry Hirshfeld was a successful businessman and a respected member of the community. He and his wife, Jennie, first lived in the smaller cottage. This cottage was built in 1873. It was a cozy home for them in the growing city of Austin.
Building the Main House
As the family grew and their importance in Austin increased, they decided to build a larger home. This grander house was completed in 1885. It was designed by John Andrewartha, a well-known architect in the area. Andrewartha was famous for designing many beautiful buildings in Austin. The new house showed the family's success and their place in society.
What is a Historic Place?
The Henry Hirshfeld House and Cottage are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is an official list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it is recognized for its special value. It also helps protect these places for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
Other Historic Recognitions
Besides the National Register, the Hirshfeld homes have other special titles. They are also a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (RTHL). This means the state of Texas recognizes their historical importance. They are also a City of Austin Historic Landmark. These titles show how much these buildings mean to both local and state history.
The Homes Today
Today, the Henry Hirshfeld House and Cottage are still very much alive and used. They are no longer a private residence. Instead, they serve as the Office of Governmental Relations for the Texas A&M University System. This office helps the university system work with government officials. It's a place where important decisions are made that affect many students and communities across Texas.
The fact that these old homes are still used for such an important purpose shows their lasting value. They stand as a reminder of Austin's past while also playing a part in its present and future.
