Located just a mile east of the Texas State Capitol, the Southgate-Lewis House stands as a beacon of African-American history and culture in Austin, Texas. Nestled at 1501 East 12th Street, this historic home is not just an architectural gem but also a repository of rich heritage, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past of East Austin, an area historically known as an African-American neighborhood. The house is a cornerstone of the African American Cultural Heritage District, also known as Austin's Black Cultural District.
The Southgate-Lewis House was built in 1888 by the skilled builder Robert C. Lambie, commissioned by John Southgate, a publisher and bookbinder who ran his business on Congress Avenue. The house is a striking example of late Victorian architecture, notable for its period, scale, and complexity. Unlike the simple vernacular buildings typical of the area, the Southgate-Lewis House showcases intricate designs and ornate details that make it a unique landmark in Austin.
In 1913, the house became the residence of the Charles M. Lewis family, who owned it until 1979. Charles M. Lewis was a prominent figure in the African-American community and a professor at Samuel Huston College. His daughter, Marguerite Mae Dee Lewis, was a dedicated teacher at L.C. Anderson High School, located just a few blocks away from their home. The family lived in the house until Marguerite's death in 1970, after which the house fell into disrepair and was abandoned for nearly a decade.
The Southgate-Lewis House was on the brink of demolition when it was saved just a week before it was scheduled to be torn down. The house was then restored and preserved, thanks to the efforts of the community and historians who recognized its significance. In 1986, the house was gifted to the W.H. Passon Historical Society by a professor from The University of Texas at Austin. The Society's mission is to preserve materials and artifacts related to Black culture in Austin and Travis County, making the Southgate-Lewis House a vital part of their collection.
The Southgate-Lewis House is a High Victorian Gothic Revival masterpiece. It features projecting eaves and gables, a prominent front bay with a denticulated cornice, and an array of ornate and varied siding and trim. The house's exterior is adorned with a continuous band of vertical siding at the base, capped with a horizontal band at the window sill. Above the second-story windows, multiple rows of fish-scale and rectangular shingles alternate, creating a visually captivating facade. The house also boasts two brick chimneys, a dormer with diagonal support brackets, and 22 double-hung windows, adding to its architectural splendor.
Step inside the Southgate-Lewis House, and you'll find yourself transported back in time. The first floor consists of five rooms, including the main entry hall, which features a beautifully crafted stairway balustrade leading to the second floor. The main parlor, accessible from the foyer, contains a fireplace with a mantle adorned with brightly colored tiles arranged in a complex, non-repeating geometric pattern. Large wooden double-doors separate the first parlor from the second, which leads to a formal dining room lined with tongue and groove beaded boards and wainscoting. The dining room connects to a small kitchen, which opens onto a wrap-around exterior covered porch.
The second floor of the Southgate-Lewis House comprises three bedrooms, a small closet, a bathroom, and a large hallway with a balustrade surrounding the stairwell. From the hallway, a large window opens onto a small exterior balcony, offering a serene view of the surrounding area.
The Southgate-Lewis House has received numerous accolades for its historical and cultural significance. It was designated a City of Austin landmark in 1979, awarded the Heritage Society of Austin Historic Preservation Award in 1980, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The State of Texas recognized the house in 1987 for its contribution to preserving Black heritage in Austin, and it was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1988.
Today, the Southgate-Lewis House stands as a testament to the resilience and rich cultural heritage of Austin's African-American community. Visitors can explore the house and its beautifully restored interiors, gaining insight into the lives of its former residents and the history of the area. The house also serves as a venue for cultural events and educational programs, furthering its mission to preserve and celebrate Black culture in Austin.
A visit to the Southgate-Lewis House is not just a journey through history; it's an opportunity to connect with the vibrant and enduring legacy of Austin's African-American community. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply curious about the past, the Southgate-Lewis House offers a captivating and enriching experience that you won't want to miss.
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