German immigrants Edward Zimmermann and his wife, Regina, worked together to construct the “fachwerk” style house in 1854. It is one of two remaining structures of Fiskville, an unincorporated community settled in 1846 by Josiah Fisk; it disappeared when annexed by the City of Austin in the 1960s.
The house is the only known example of fachwerk construction in Travis County. The half-timber post and beam framing and stone remains intact, as is the 1855 addition constructed on its east side for the sale of goods. It retains its original stone foundation, hand-hewn framing, and limestone masonry infill. Interior detailing reflects mid-19th C. construction.
the Zimmermann Home as it existed in the 1960s
Restoration of the Historic House
The exterior fachwerk walls are fully destabilized and bearing on soil. The entire structure needs to be carefully shored in place and cabled together before any work can begin. The first step is the installation of concrete piers and perimeter beams, and then repairs to the fachwerk can be executed. Once stabilized, the restoration of the historic features, finishes, and architectural detailing can be undertaken.
The 1854 and 1855 rooms and front porch will be fully restored to the era of the Zimmermann’s occupation. The 1880c north addition will be returned to a gable roof, and the adjacent north porch will be reconstructed. The 1960s addition will be modified to provide ADA/TAS compliant access with an accessible restroom.
Proposed Future Use: Fiskville Cultural Heritage Center
The most immediate goal is to restore the House and to return it to service to become an income producing property; this will safe guard its long-term future. Hutson|Gallagher is funding its restoration and intends to use a couple of rooms for their work. However, the main goal for the property is to found the Fiskville Cultural Heritage Center to serve as the property’s steward. No Zimmermann family possessions remain, and the House itself is considered the artifact to be protected. The future Center’s mission will be to preserve the structure, share the historical stories about German Texan immigration and the Zimmermann Family, promote the community’s understanding of Historic Fiskville, and sponsor cultural events that educate, connect, and inspire our community.
Images by Hutson Gallagher, LLC