May Mathis Watson House, “Watsonia”

May Mathis Watson House, “Watsonia”

May Mathis Watson House, “Watsonia” George E. Clower
Photo 2 of May Mathis Watson House, “Watsonia” Photo 3 of May Mathis Watson House, “Watsonia”
1939, William Van Siclen. 2703 Ocean Dr.

Sprawling along its enormous corner lot, “Watsonia,” so named by its owners, is perhaps the most eccentric residential design of Brownsville-based Van Siclen. The Pueblo Revival house is composed of one-and two-story wings enlivened with tall, sculptural chimneys, porches, and open-air roof terraces bordered by undulating parapets punctured by vigas. Large brick units made at the site, laid up with “weeping” mortar joints, provide a rich textural appearance to the exterior walls that include corbeled window openings with screen details used by Southwest Indian tribes.

Writing Credits