Pemberton Heights: Historic Austin Neighborhood
September 3, 2023 by Laura Duggan · Leave a Comment
Pemberton Heights is a historic neighborhood located in Austin, Texas. Its history dates back to the early 20th century, and it is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, historic homes, and proximity to downtown Austin.
One of the most popular and sought after neighborhoods in Austin, “the land that Pemberton Heights is situated upon was originally part of the George W. Spear League. After Spear’s death, the league was sold several times and eventually divided. What is known now as the Pease Mansion, or Woodlawn, was built by James B. Shaw in the 1850s on a section of the land. Shaw sold part of the large property north of where the mansion sits to Judge John Woods Harris in 1859, and eventually this portion was developed into Pemberton Heights by the Austin Development Company” as noted by the Pemberton Heights Neighborhood Association.
The neighborhood is named after one of Austin’s early mayors, Dr. Joseph Pemberton, who also owned land in the area. The initial development of Pemberton Heights began in the 1920s and continued through the 1930s. It was designed to be an upscale residential area, and many of Austin’s prominent citizens built homes there. The neighborhood’s design features wide streets, spacious lots, and a mix of architectural styles, including American Craftsman, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Mediterranean Revival.
With a ten minute commute to Downtown Austin, over the years, Pemberton Heights has been home to many influential and successful individuals, including politicians, business leaders, university professors, doctors, attorneys, and artists. Some of the city’s most prominent families have lived in the neighborhood, contributing to its historical significance. Many of these have been memorialized in the street names.
Pemberton Heights is known for its commitment to historic preservation and conservation. The neighborhood association and residents have worked to maintain the architectural integrity of the area and protect its natural beauty. They have a very strong neighborhood association with annual social activities that include a neighborhood picnic, annual garage sale and park gatherings.
In recent years, Pemberton Heights has continued to evolve while preserving its historical charm. New residents have moved in, and some older homes have been renovated or restored, maintaining the neighborhood’s appeal.
Highly rated neighborhood schools include Casis Elementary, O’Henry Middle School and Stephen F. Austin High School.
The neighborhood’s rich history and beautiful architecture continue to make it one of Austin’s most desirable places to live. Real estate statistics for Pemberton Heights can be found on our real estate market report in zip code 78703.