Travis Heights began it’s humble beginnings back in 1878 when Charles Augustus Newing, an agent for a New York banking company, came to Austin looking for financial opportunities. After spending some time in the Capitol City, he quickly realized the need for an exclusive suburban district for the wealthy south of the Colorado River. The main problem was that the Colorado River was prone to flooding which frequently washed out the wooden pontoon bridge which served the few residents living in South Austin. This liability put a temporary halt to Newning’s project.
South Austin’s First Neighborhood Catered to the Wealthy
In 1880, rumblings started that a stone toll bridge would be built giving residents in South Austin permanent access to north of the river. With the plans of a new bridge in the works, Newning’s idea of building South Austin’s first true South Austin Suburb was becoming a reality. In 1880, Newning partnered with William H. Stacy and George Warner to purchase 200 acres south of the river and just east of South Congress Avenue. This beginnings of this new neighborhood was called Fairview Park because the it’s fair view of the city.
Travis Heights Developed in 1913 for the Masses
By the early 1890’s, there were quite a few stately homes built in the Fairview Park neighborhood. Over the next few decades, Fairview Park had it’s fair share of growth spurts but never really took off as originally planned. It wasn’t until 1913, that William H. Stacy decided to develop Travis Heights on a large tract of land located east of Fairview Park. Instead of catering just to the wealthy, Travis Heights was developed for the masses. Travis Heights was a huge success and spurred an influx of home building throughout the twenties. Homes in Travis heights ranged from small bungalows to large estate homes with spectacular views of the Capitol. At the time of William H. Stacy’s death in 1928, over 600 lots have been sold with 160 homes built.
Travis Heights Becomes Most Popular South Austin Neighborhood
Travis Heights continued to be developed throughout the 20th Century overtaking what was, Fairview Park. Although Fairview Park still exists today, Austinites consider the entire area between South Congress Avenue to Hwy 35 to be Travis Heights. Travis Heights continues to be one of the most popular and most beloved South Austin neighborhoods. Although there are quite a few homes in Travis Heights that have undergone a modern remodel, a lot of Travis Heights residents are dedicated to preserving the historical appearance and character of the homes. Currently there is a movement to make Travis Heights and Fairview Park a Local Historic District and a National Register Historic District.
Want to Learn More About Living in Travis Heights?
If you want to learn more about what Travis Heights has to offer its residents today, check out our Travis Heights Neighborhood Guide.
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