Construction

Construction on the building, designed by Austin architect Hugo Kuehne, began in 1932. The Italian Renaissance Revival style was chosen for its suitability to Austin’s climatic conditions as well as for its classical associations with the library ideal. Cordova cream limestone was selected to compliment the newly constructed Travis County Courthouse just across the park. The temporary wood building was moved to Angelina Street to become Austin’s first branch library.

The building’s design and construction took advantage of local materials and craftsmen. Peter Mansbendel carved much of the woodwork. A Swiss master woodcarver, who immigrated to Texas in 1911, Mansbendel was widely sought after for his work in both residential and public buildings. Fortunat Weigl created ornamental wrought iron work for the balconies, windows, and doors. “Bubi” Jessen and Peter Alidi painted the tracery frescoes on the ceiling of the front loggia.