The Braunfels Foundation Trust will restore and occupy the Hinman House, the first stone home built in New Braunfels. (Ethan Thomas/Community Impact)
The Braunfels Foundation Trust has announced plans to restore the Hinman House, recognized as the first stone house built in New Braunfels, according to a news release.
What you need to know
Located at 161 S. Castell Ave., the Hinman House has served as the office for Communities In Schools of South Central Texas for the past 25 years, but with the organization's move to the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative, the building became available. Following renovations, the home will be established as the Trust's new permanent home, Braunfels Foundation Trust Director Emily Hoffmann said in the news release.
The Hinman House is the first stone home to be built in the 1800s by New Braunfels settlers, according to The Sophienburg Museum & Archives. (Ethan Thomas/Community Impact)
The $1 million restoration will focus on structural preservation and maintaining the building's architectural character. The effort reflects its commitment to stewardship, heritage and the long-term vitality of New Braunfels, Hoffman said.
"Through our thoughtful restoration, we hope to bring new life and renewed purpose to this historic building, allowing people to experience and appreciate its architecture, history and the many stories it holds," Hoffman said in the release.
To fund the project, the Trust will host Supper at the Haus on May 8, a one-time fundraising evening featuring family-style dining and cocktails at the historic home, the release states. The goal for the Trust will be to raise $100,000 to assist with restoration efforts.
Digging deeper
The Braunfels Foundation Trust was established in 1972 after catastrophic floods prompted the area's German sister city, Braunfels, Germany, to send aid to fund relief efforts. Instead of spending them immediately, the Trust was formed to create something lasting. The Trust now offers dropout prevention and other educational programs, as well as the Barons and Baronesses and the Local Legends of New Braunfels programs, according to the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce website.
The restoration project is expected to be completed late July, Hoffman said.
