Ask Clay McCullar
The Eugene L. Finley House is an eclectic early 20th century residence that incorporates features from Victorian era, Bungalow, and Classical Revival, and architectural traditions. As one of the most unusual dwellings in Abilene, it is nominated under Criterion C in the area of Architecture. It was the home of rancher Eugene L. Finley who was one of several cattlemen who moved to Abilene because of the railroad. The building is associated with the historic context "The Railroad and Abilene's Development into a Wholesale and Distribution Center in West Texas, 1881-1939. " The building is in good condition and retains its integrity.
Historic Victorian, Bungalow, Classical Revival home with a wrap around porch located in Abilene Texas. This property is full of beautiful original hardwood floors, 3 fireplaces, coffered ceilings, several original wood light fixtures, and an exquisite staircase with a cozy window seat. Updates include new HVAC on both levels and a new water heater. The property sits on .640 acres and has a seperate 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom carriage house with its own electric meter, currently rents for $800.00 per month.
Perhaps the most distinctive features of the Finley House are its asymmetrical massing and its complex roof plan. Both are believed to be original according to Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps that indicate the house, in its present form, existed by 1915. (The 1907 maps show the lot on which the house stands was vacant at that time; therefore the dwelling was built between 1907 and 1915.) A gable wing extends from the dwelling's core and is the most dominant feature of
the front (east) elevation. Shed roofed porches on the north and south sides of the gable wing have short, squatty Ionic columns. Such columns are associated with Classical Revival architecture, which gained only marginal popularity in Abilene during the 20th century. The porches have tumed wood balusters, suggestive of Victorian era traditions, and brick posts
with cast stone caps, common on several of Abilene's earliest bungalows. A bellcast hipped roof caps the main section of the wood frame house. A small 1-story frame guesthouse is northwest of the main house. It maintains its integrity and is Contributing.
