Hirshfeld, Henry, House and Cottage
historic place
The Henry Hirshfeld House and Cottage are historic residences in Austin, Texas. Henry Hirshfeld, a German immigrant, was a prominent Austin merchant and a leader in the city's Jewish community. In 1873, Hirshfeld and his wife, Jennie, built a one-story stone cottage. It features a widow's walk and jigsaw detailing. A larger house, designed by architect John Andrewartha in Victorian and Eastlake styles, began construction in 1885. Its exterior includes a double gallery, bay window, stained glass, and limestone details. The Hirshfeld family moved into this new house around 1885, and the cottage became a rental property by 1888. Both structures were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. They now house the Office of Governmental Relations for the Texas A&M University System. These buildings reflect the growth of a prominent Austin family and the city during the late 19th century.