John Chase - Texas' First Black Architect
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| Personal Residence in Riverside Terrace |
John S. Chase overcame much to become a trailblazer among black architects. He enrolled at the University of Texas as soon as it desegregated and became the first black-licensed architect in Texas. He also served as the first black president of Texas Exes, the UT Alumni organization.
When he graduated from the University of Texas in 1952 he launched his own firm because no one in Texas would hire him. He built a house for his own family to demonstrate how his modernist style played out in residential projects.
The home in Riverside Terrace was built in 1953 as a one-story home built around courtyard complete with a fish pond, which was a novel idea for its time. A second story was added to the home, which included the courtyard. The interior courtyard area became the focal and gathering place for years.
In its heyday, the home was legendary for its parties, political fundraisers and other gatherings that drew Hollywood celebrities as well as community and cultural leaders.
The house sold to a new owner in 2021 after Chase's wife, Drucie, died. John Chase died in 2012.
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| David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Austin |
Chase is especially well known for his design of churches. He purposefully marketed to pastors and congregations and attended services all over Texas.
The new book celebrates this historic figure - John S. Chase - The Chase Residence by John Heymann and Stephen Fox, published by University of Texas Press.
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| John Chase - The Chase Residence |
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| Architect, John Chase |
