Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2009 > November > 19 > Entry
The Manor Reborn: Restoring the Byrne-Reed House, Part 3
For more of this story, scroll down to previous posts, or go here for Part 1 and Part 2.
Humanities Texas began examining the building five years ago.
“As a statewide organization, we needed a visible presence near the Capitol,” says executive director Michael Gillette. “Our office condominium, which was located five miles south of downtown, had the visibility of a post office box and lacked suitable program space for events.
What tipped them off about the building they had just purchased? Touring Byrne-Reed with distinguished architect Larry Speck, Downtown Austin Alliance executive director Charles Betts and philanthropist Jo Anne Christian, Gillette was able to assess its full potential. Speck was concerned with finding the correct tiles to replicate the original roof, bricks to match those that were cut out to make room for the 1970s windows and how to deal with botched air-conditioning and wiring.
“Charlie Betts was unrelenting in his disgust at the ’70s redo,” Gillette wrote in his notes at the time. “He and Larry agreed that the architect, if there had even been one, should have been shot. The photograph of the original house brought into focus the property’s potential for Larry. As we stood on the sidewalk, he declared with great emphasis that if we can take the building back to its original mansion, we would be real heroes. He added that doing so would be a huge accomplishment for Austin, one that would put Humanities Texas on the map.”
The organization will use the living room, dining room and other downstairs areas for public spaces; upstairs for private offices. A third floor, built within the attic, also will be used for offices, and the basement will become space for exhibition preparation and storage. The project, now under way, will restore the enormous porches and terraces — perfect for parties.
“As a statewide nonprofit that advances culture, heritage and education, Humanities Texas is an appropriate steward to restore and occupy this grand historic building,” Gillette says. “In contrast to the restoration of a private residence or place of business, this endeavor is historic preservation with a public purpose. Local residents and Texans generally will be able to use, appreciate, and enjoy this landmark.
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