Fall Mansion recognized as one of Texas’ Saved Historic sites
One of El Paso’s own landmarks has made the list of Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places. The organization, Preservation Texas, made the announcement in Austin Wednesday.
The Albert Bacon Fall Mansion was recognized as a historic icon in the state that could have been lost, but was saved.
Albert Bacon Fall was one of New Mexico’s first senators and Secretary of the Interior under President Warren G. Harding.
In 2006, city council declared the lack of upkeep by owner Billy Abraham amounted to the “demolition by neglect” of a historic landmark. The council voted to condemn the property under a state that allows a city to use its power of eminent domain to acquire a historic property in order to save it from ruin. This state law had never been used before, which is why Preservation Texas says the site is so special to the state.
The City really went above and beyond when it took over the building and renovated it. The building looks spectacular right now. It looks amazing.
The mansion is now slated to become an office building used by Texas Tech for three year for just a single dollar a year. Some say the cost of $1.8 million is not worth the return.
