Austin City Council established the Irene Hill-Thompson House in East Austin as a city landmark at the May 28 council meeting, according to a news release from Preservation Austin. Marilynn Poole Webb, homeowner and Irene Hill-Thompson’s niece, partnered with Preservation Austin to prepare and present the nomination.
The single-story mid-century modern residence, built in 1963 with a wood frame, represents a legacy of early architecture and civic leadership in Austin’s only historic district exclusively honoring Black heritage.
The history
The Irene Hill-Thompson House was designed by John S. Chase, the first Black student to enroll at The University of Texas at Austin, for Irene Hill-Thompson, a civic leader from the 1940s to the mid 2000s. She was active in local and state politics, known for opening her home to host political fundraisers, meetings and more.
