Robert E McKee was clearly and easily the most prolific and important Contractor in El Paso's early history, in addition to being one of the top Contractors in the entire United States. He built many of El Paso's most iconic downtown structures, including Trost & Trost's Hilton and O.T. Bassett Towers. Other iconic buildings constructed by the firm include the 1922 Scottish Rite Cathedral; the 1923 Cathedral High School; the 1917 Central Fire Station; the amazing Crockett Elementary School; Austin High School; Shall we go on? No other Contractor and no architectural firm in El Paso has shaped our skyline and neighborhoods as much as builder R.E. McKee.
McKee, born in Lake View, Illinois in 1889, came to El Paso in 1910 from his Uncle Bud Cleve's ranch in Elk, New Mexico, after living in St. Louis most of his life. He started his career in the Sun City as a draftsman and engineer at the El Paso Milling Company, and for the City of El Paso. He founded his own construction company in 1913, quickly growing into El Paso's premier builder - and, not stopping there, one of the country's most important Contractors. For a wonderfully detailed history of R.E. McKee, read Irene Stanley and Duffy Stanley's article at the Texas State Historical Association at
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/mckee-robert-eugene-sr. It is important to mention that he was renowned for his kindness, giving heart, and respect for people.
El Paso master Architect Bradford Hardie Jr., as an independent architect and as part of the firm of Beutell & Hardie, designed a number of buildings erected by McKee. Their most notable joint ventures were probably the beautiful Austin High School and the Manhattan School, today known as Crockett Elementary.
Hardie, independent of H.M. Buetell, designed the gorgeous McKee Mansion, erected in 1920-1921. This home is a stately, 4-story red/variegated brick Georgian masterpiece. It is an extant eye-turner today, located at 2630 Richmond, and is in excellent condition. As a monument to R.E. McKee it shines. It is also an interesting compliment to Bradford Hardie, Jr. that he was chosen to design this important home.
Interesting trivia: Did you know that Bradford Hardie Jr.'s brother, El Paso attorney Thornton Hardie, named the Hotel Cortez? True!
Late 2020 we were able to head out, fully masked and six feet away from all other living creatures, to capture some fresh photographs of the home. The trees and greenery mask the house and make it a leeeetle difficult to grab a shot that portrays this Georgian home's full impact - nevertheless it is still wonderful.
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
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| Photo taken by Mark Stone 2020 |
