Tom Lea Residence

Copyright © 2020 Mark A. Stone. Last updated 2/22/2020

At a Glance:
  • The Mayor Tom Lea Residence
  • Original Client: Mayor Tom Lea
  • Year Completed: 1915
  • Lead Architect: Henry C Trost
  • Architectural Style: Craftsman / Arid America Prairie School
  • Current Status: Still standing, in good condition

Tom Lea was mayor of El Paso from 1915 to 1917, and was the father of renowned artist Tom Lea Jr. In 1915 he commissioned Henry Trost to build a home which stands today, 104 years later, at the corner of Nevada and Newman.

This home was designed in Trost's classic "Arid America" Prairie School style, with large overhanging eaves to block the hot desert sun. It is reminiscent of his 1910 Spitz Residence in Albuquerque, with its 4' eaves and massive open porches.
Image is from the Otis Aultman collection at the El Paso Public Library, marked Ponsford 173, via the UNT Digital Archives

Google Earth Street View, accessed May 2019

Google Earth Street View, accessed May 2019

Google Earth Street View, accessed May 2019

Google Earth Street View, accessed May 2019