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The Byrne-Reed House
The Byrne-Reed House, circa 192o
In December 2006, Humanities Texas moved into the historic 11,000-square-foot Byrne-Reed House at 1410 Rio Grande Street. At its new headquarters five blocks from the Texas Capitol, Humanities Texas will, for the first time, be able to host public programs for local residents and visitors to the state’s capital city.
Built more than a century ago, the Byrne-Reed House reflects a Texas vernacular style that combines popular architectural trends of the period.
The house’s conversion to offices in the late 1940s brought about a series of alterations, the most dramatic of which occurred in the 1970s when the entire exterior was ensheathed in a white stucco facade.
Contemporary photograph of the Byrne-Reed House
Humanities Texas intends to remove the exterior stucco façade and return interior spaces to the original floorplan. Once restored, the large first floor spaces of the Byrne-Reed House will allow Humanities Texas to host public events and to expand its mission to communities across the state.
History
Learn more about the families who resided in the Byrne-Reed House.
Education
The Byrne-Reed House is already serving an educational function as the subject of a historic preservation studio at The University of Texas at Austin.
Restoration Plans
Humanities Texas plans to undertake a restoration that integrates best practices of historic preservation and environmental sustainability.
Capital Campaign
You can play a pivotal role by participating in the capital campaign to restore the Byrne-Reed House.
Download a pdf of Humanities Texas's project description, "Bringing a Landmark to Light," or contact us for a printed version. (The digital file can take several minutes to download.)