Sunset Heights was developed in 1884 on a rugged, rocky mesa that slopes down to the Rio Grande. The University of Texas at El Paso, downtown and central El Paso form the other boundaries around this neighborhood. At its peak, Sunset Heights was the elite section of El Paso and contains one of the most concentrated varieties of architectural styles to be found in the City. These styles range from simple bungalows to grand examples of Greek, English, and Spanish Colonial revival. Yandell Drive, the principal thoroughfare, has the largest number of important landmarks.

In spite of a multitude of different styles, ranging from Queen Anne to Classical Revival, there are common architectural elements that relate the houses of Sunset Heights to each other. First of all the majority of these residences were constructed between 1901 and 1916. At this time both construction techniques and choice of materials were limited. Without exception all of the homes in this area are masonry with load-bearing walls resting on stone foundations and pier and beam floors.

The second unifying characteristic in Sunset Heights is the design element. The majority of the houses are symmetrical. This symmetry is most often expressed in a three-part division of the front facade, with the entrance being in the center bay. More often than not, a front porch will extend across the facade. This porch will often contain the major architectural and decorative elements. The fenestration of many of these homes is also symmetrical. Double hung windows, some with multiple lites, are used singly or in sets. They are centered in each bay, on either side of the entrance, and are lined-up vertically in multi-storied houses. The third familiar element, related to a common material vocabulary, is the texture and color found in these residences. Regardless of style the brick walls were cherry red, brown, or beige. The woodwork, including windows and porches was invariably white. Only the roof offered some variation but this was also restricted to red, green, brown, or gray. Houses finished in stucco are the exception, with monochromatic colors including white, cream, and pastel tints predominating.

print-version