I have firsthand experience with Norwood Estate. This was one the most fantastic estates in Austin, until the City of Austin purchased it through eminent domain. The City’s neglect of this jewel borders on criminal.

Before the City took control of the Norwood Estate, the grounds were magical and park like. It had one the largest swimming pools in Austin, with only Barton Springs and Deep Eddy surpassing it. The pool was natural, filled with warm artesian water, that had healing properties. This pool was the best place to take a night swim in the warm waters. It was quite common to find neighbors, or Armadillo World Headquarter patrons who had jumped the fence to skinny dip. The pool was shaded by large trees, mostly pecan. There was an Ornate dressing room/gazebo at the south end of the pool. The city in its infinite wisdom, has filled the pool in and turned the grounds into a dog park.

The Norwood House at one time sat on the high point of the property. The house sat adjacent a steep bluff with a commanding view of downtown Austin. My brother Mike Fowler, was married in this very spot.  The Norwood House had an ornate façade. The masonry surrounding the porch was of rounded river rocks. The wood cornices were ornate. The last person to own the Estate was Joe Small. Joe Small used the house as his office where he published True West and Frontier Times magazines. Among his guests there were his good friend, Johnny Cash. The house was moved by the City to where the tennis courts had been for some unknown reason. The house was then moved back up on the bluff.

My family and I have a deep appreciation of Austin’s History. My company, HHCC, has earned many awards for the preservation work done on the Driskill Hotel (which at one time was slated for demolition).

My brother Mike Fowler (the former Mayor of Hutto) has authored several books documenting Austin, Williamson County, and Texas History.

I am glad to see the first steps of progress in the restoration of the Norwood Estate. 
Bill Fowler

SRCC (South River City Citizens) is committed to the restoration of this home. We are developing a plan that minimizes cost to the city and returns the house to its original appearance. Once this is completed, the house will be a valuable addition to the public park system, available for the general public to use in a variety of ways. In addition, a valuable piece of Austin history will take its rightful place as a fine example of Kuehne’s work and Norwood’s vision.

 contact information:  Wolf Sittler  512 447 2150    restorenorwood@yahoo.com