Neill-Cochran House Museum

1855
2310 Rio Grande, Austin, Texas
National Register of Historic Places, Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, Austin Landmark, Historic American Buildings Survey
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Key Issues

• Creation of phased restoration approach to meet Owner's budget and fundraising program
• Development of a historic furnishing plan using select Cochran furnishings in newly restored rooms
• Building forensics needed to address foundation movement and stabilization of window and door openings
• Coordination of historic finish protection during asbestos abatement
• Mechanical system replacement
• Historic wallpaper conservation, plaster repair, masonry repointing, and material conservation of column capitals and architraves
• Installation of period-appropriate interior paint colors, wallpaper, and carpet
• Installation of UV-filtering film on windows for collection conservation
• Paint analysis, selection of paint colors, and reproduction of marbleizing
• Roof, masonry, window, blinds, and porch restoration
• Waterproofing and drainage improvements
• Successful State Tax Credit Application

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This Greek Revival residence was built on the outskirts of Austin in 1855 by master builder Abner Cook for Washington L. Hill. It shares similar design features with other Cook houses, including the Texas Governor’s Mansion (1856), Westhill (1856), and the James B. Shaw Mansion (1853).
Recent acquisition of Cochran family furnishings from the years that the Cochran’s occupied the House prompted the Austin chapter of the Colonial Dames to reconsider the Neill-Cochran House interiors for the first time since the 1950’s when it was opened as a museum.
In 2009, John and Candace Volz received the Abner Cook Award for their service to the National Society of Colonial Dames in America and the Neill-Cochran House. A recent project was awarded the 2012 Outstanding Construction Award from the Austin Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America.