Herblin – Shoe House
historic place
The Herblin – Shoe House, a historic place in Austin, Texas, stands at 712 West 16th Street in Travis County. This residence was constructed between 1899 and 1900 by local contractor John Allen Greathouse for the William H. Herblin family. William Herblin was the superintendent of the Austin Oil Manufacturing Company. Originally built in the Late Victorian and Queen Anne styles, the house featured a brick veneer. The Herblins sold the home in 1910. In July 1927, the William B. Shoe family purchased the property. Over time, the house underwent Classical Revival alterations, including the addition of massive Ionic columns, reflecting changing architectural tastes of the early 20th century. The original brick exterior was stuccoed before 1917. The home remained in the Shoe family, later passing to Lucy Shoe Meritt, a notable classical archaeologist. In recognition of its architectural evolution and association with prominent Austin families, the Texas Historical Commission erected a historical marker here in 1987. The Herblin – Shoe House serves as an example of early 20th-century architectural transitions in Austin.