Fischer House, Austin

The Fischer House, situated on West Avenue in downtown Austin, is an old mansion that serves as a tribute to the craftsmanship of its builder, Joseph Fischer. He was a prominent mason in Austin during the late 19th century. This impressive structure was finished in 1882 and displays the architectural style of high Victorian Italianate, known for its intricate ornamentation created using brick and native limestone.

Joseph Fischer, originally from Prussia, built the house with his son Francis. Together, they were responsible not only for this stunning family home but also made significant contributions to Austin's architectural heritage through their masonry contracting business. One of their notable projects was the construction of the Texas Capitol.

The Fischer House was not just the family's place of residence but also served as their office. It remained a symbol of the Fischer family's presence in Austin until 1938 when it was sold. This building's historical significance has been officially recognized by its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places on December 16, 1982, and its earlier designation as a City of Austin Historic Landmark in 1978, at that time known as the Burlage-Fischer House.

Through its design and history, the Fischer House reflects the enduring legacy of the Fischer family in Austin and serves as a notable example of the city's architectural development during the late 19th century.