Norwood House

The Mission to Save Austin’s Historic Norwood House

State of the House 2008-2013

Sobering pics of what Norcliff looked like at its worst. Thank goodness this is in the past, but the precious Norwood House still needs our help.

State of the House 2008-2013
The Norwood House in 2008. A ghost of its former self, but clearly identifiable as special and worth saving.
Many of the Arts & Crafts wood screens are intact and can be restored.

Norwood in the record-setting drought year of 2011. The trees suffered terribly, and continued deterioration took a serious toll.
Architectural elements that make this bungalow special & historically valuable – like this gable ornament – still exist and are stored away.
East side of house at the height of the graffiti stage. Windows are boarded up but still in place.
West side, looking east. Spoils piles dotted the landscape, but note the surrounding oaks.
Two of the original, exotic column toppers still exist, waiting to get back out on the future porch and hold up the front gable.
Looked really bad then, but the fireplace wall with its flanking Arts & Crafts windows and cabinetry could be a stunning feature!
All of this mess is a distant memory. The house is clean, remediated, and ready for restoration. Some of the original hardwoods were able to be saved and can be reused.
Look at those magnificent trees! This historic treasure deserves to shine again, and the people of Austin are entitled to its full use and enjoyment.