Guy Lewis Fraser's early work in El Paso as an architect was for Harry Hussmann, who purchased the Hotel Orndorff from the Sheldon Hotel Corporation in 1927, renaming the property after himself. Fraser designed an addition to the Hotel, in addition to a number of private residences and apartments throughout El Paso for Hussmann.
One of his most interesting designs is the Hussmann Court, an extant 14-unit complex located at 3325 Pershing. Celebrated in period newspapers, the Hussmann boasted fourteen ultra-modern units, including the highest quality luxury furniture and dishes. Four of the units were larger, with an extra bedroom -- two in the front and two in the rear. The other ten were also large and luxurious, and were called Single apartments. The rear of the complex had a separate building for storage, including eight parking garages for tenants.
People criticized the court for being "too elaborate" for El Paso, nevertheless there was a long list of applicants waiting to move in.
This complex cost over $100,000 to erect, which was a fortune at the time. The structure is an enchanting eclectic mix of Pueblo and Spanish designs, stucco over brick, with variegated spanish tile roofing. We love the interesting and creating arches.
The opening day was the 3rd of August, 1929. The building stands today, in use as the Camillo Apartments. The beauty of the design sneaks up on a person: just driving by, it doesn't stand out. But the building and especially its courtyard area really pop once noticed. It was impressive to photograph.
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Text, research and modern photography provided to Sketchclub.net by Mark Stone, citing period newspaper articles accessed at newspapers.com
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
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| Newspaper clipping from the 08/05/1929 El Paso Herald, accessed at newspapers.com |
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| Photograph taken by Mark Stone December 2020 |
