Neighborhoods and Shared Memories: Sunset Heights

Built by Trost & Trost in 1905, the Williams residence at 323 W. Rio Grande was the home of banker Joseph F. Williams, president of City Bank in El Paso. A stucco over brick structure, the house was styled in the popular Mission Revival architecture. In November 1915, it was the site of a coordinated meeting between United States General Hugh Scott and Mexican revolutionary leader General Francisco (Pancho) Villa. Another notable home and perhaps one of the most prominent and architecturally unique homes in Sunset Heights, was famed architect Henry Trost’s residence. Built in 1909, the structure is an example of early 20th century Prairie style architecture that arose from the Chicago school in the Midwest. Notably, Trost & Trost architects were also responsible for the design of several other Sunset Heights homes. Homes in Sunset Heights were built in a wide-ranging styles: The Mathias home at 607 W Boulevard was designed in Tudor Revival, The Kohlberg Residence in Colonial Revival, the Richard F. Burges residence, now home of the El Paso County Historical Society, designed in Georgian Revival. Aside from the large homes and their affluent aesthetics, the smaller homes in the neighborhood were designed in the typical prairie style bungalow popular during the early decades. Today, Sunset Heights continues to be one of the most architecturally rich neighborhoods in El Paso. El Paso was a key locale for the comings and goings during the Mexican Revolution. For El Pasoans, diplomacy meant safe travels for loved ones, no pauses in business and continued city growth with friendly neighbors to the south. **For more information on Sunset Heights architecture related to Trost & Trost, please visit trostsociety.org