West Hill, Austin, Texas
historic place
West Hill, a historic place in Austin, Travis County, Texas, is a notable building. This house, also known as the Chandler-Shelley House, was reportedly built around 1855. Tradition states architect Abner Cook designed it for Reuben and Mary Runner. Cook also built the Texas Governor's Mansion, and West Hill shares similar architectural details. The house originally faced east, occupying a full block with a separate kitchen and carriage house. Later owners included lawyers F.W. Chandler and H.E. Shelley from 1863 to 1909, and the May Thompson family from 1917 to 1969. H.E. Shelley served as Austin's mayor from 1905 to 1907. After decay, the Travis Williamson family began restoration in 1970. The Texas Historical Commission erected a historical marker in 1974, designating West Hill as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. It is also a City of Austin Historic Landmark. West Hill is historically significant as an example of Abner Cook's craftsmanship, which influenced much of Austin's antebellum architecture.