Bailetti House Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Austin Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Bailetti House, located at 1006 Waller Street in East Austin, stands as a unique example of Austin’s late 19th-century architectural and cultural heritage. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and documented by the Texas Historical Commission, the house serves as a vital link to Austin’s immigrant roots, urban evolution, and ongoing preservation efforts. While primarily a private residence, the Bailetti House is occasionally accessible during special heritage events and community programs, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Austin’s historic fabric (National Register of Historic Places, Texas Historical Commission).

This comprehensive guide details the Bailetti House’s historical significance, architectural features, visiting information, and its place within Austin’s broader heritage landscape. Whether you’re planning to attend a local preservation event or exploring Austin’s historic neighborhoods, this resource will help you appreciate the enduring legacy of the Bailetti House.

Table of Contents

Historical Significance

The Bailetti House was constructed in 1886 by Salvatore Bailetti, an Italian immigrant, during a period of significant urban growth in Austin. Its original design combined commercial and residential functions—a rare surviving example of this typology in East Austin. The property served as both a family home and a grocery/saloon, reflecting the diverse economic and social life of the area’s immigrant communities (National Register of Historic Places).

Subsequent owners, including German immigrant Carl Haehnel and later Eugene “Shorty” Bonner (who operated Shorty’s Bar from 1960 to 1987), further embedded the building in local history as a community gathering place. The Bailetti House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, underscoring its architectural and cultural significance.


Architectural Features

While detailed architectural surveys are limited, the Bailetti House is characteristic of late 19th- and early 20th-century Austin styles, blending Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman influences. Notable features include:

  • Asymmetrical facades and prominent porches
  • Decorative woodwork and spindlework
  • Multi-pane windows and transoms
  • Original wood siding and period-appropriate paint

Photographs from the Texas Historical Commission’s archives confirm the preservation of these exterior details (Portal to Texas History). The building’s resilience, including reconstruction after a 1900 fire, adds to its historical narrative.


Historical Context and Preservation

The Bailetti House is a key site in Austin’s preservation movement, representing the multicultural history of East Austin—an area historically shaped by waves of immigration as well as segregation and redlining (Austin Historic Preservation Office). Its survival and adaptive reuse demonstrate the city’s commitment to maintaining the character of historic neighborhoods.

Preservation policies enforce design standards to protect the integrity of such properties, ensuring that renovations and urban development respect the historic fabric (Austin Historic Design Standards).


Cultural Importance in Austin

Beyond its architecture, the Bailetti House embodies Austin’s multicultural heritage. East Austin has long served as a hub for immigrant, Black, and Latino communities. The house’s succession of owners and uses—from merchant family residence and grocery to beloved bar—tell the story of changing demographics and urban dynamics (Austin Cultural Heritage, Austin Revitalization Authority).

Its restoration and use as office space for local businesses further highlight how historic properties can remain vibrant contributors to community life.


Visitor Information

Address: 1006 Waller Street, Austin, TX 78702

Visiting Hours: The Bailetti House is not open for regular public tours. The exterior and historical markers can be viewed at any time from the public sidewalk. Interior access may be available during special events or open house tours—check with the Austin Revitalization Authority for current opportunities.

Tickets and Admission: No admission fee to view the exterior; event-based access may have associated costs.

Guided Tours: Guided walking tours of East Austin occasionally include the Bailetti House as a stop. These are typically offered by heritage organizations or during citywide events (Nomadic Matt: Austin Walking Tours). Check local listings for schedules.

Accessibility: The surrounding sidewalks and public areas are wheelchair accessible. The building’s historic structure may limit interior accessibility.


Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer comfortable weather for walking tours. Major events like Austin Museum Day or Heritage Days may grant special access (Austin Visitor Center).
  • Photography: Exterior photography is encouraged, but please respect private property boundaries.
  • Parking: Limited street parking is available; public transit and rideshare are recommended.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • George Washington Carver Museum
    • East Austin murals and music venues
    • Rainey Street District
    • University of Texas at Austin campus

These sites offer additional windows into Austin’s history and culture.


Role in Community Identity

The Bailetti House anchors a neighborhood that has faced both marginalization and revitalization. Its story mirrors Austin’s broader journey, balancing preservation with growth. The building is a model for how historic sites can foster community pride and continuity amid urban change (Austin Revitalization Authority).


Preservation and Visitor Experience

Visitors can appreciate the Bailetti House’s exterior and context within the historic neighborhood. When participating in tours or events, remember to:


Cultural Tourism Contribution

The Bailetti House enriches Austin’s cultural tourism by adding depth to the city’s historic neighborhoods. Its story appeals to visitors interested in architecture, immigrant history, and community resilience (Austin Cultural Heritage, Mount Bonnell: Impact of Tourism). Preservation and adaptive reuse ensure the site remains a living part of the city’s cultural fabric.


Preservation Challenges and Opportunities

Austin’s rapid growth, gentrification, and economic pressures pose challenges for historic preservation. Advocates work to balance development with the retention of neighborhood character. Community engagement, adaptive reuse, and educational programs are key strategies (Austin Historic Preservation Office).


FAQs

Q: What are the Bailetti House visiting hours?
A: The house is not open for regular public tours. The exterior can be viewed at any time; special events may provide interior access.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No fee to view the exterior; event-based tours may have costs.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, as part of community events or heritage tours. Check with local organizations.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Exterior sidewalks are accessible; interior access is limited.

Q: How can I learn more about Austin’s historic homes?
A: Visit the Austin Historic Preservation Office or Austin Visitor Center for resources.


Visuals and Maps


Summary and Visitor Information

The Bailetti House exemplifies Austin’s architectural evolution, immigrant heritage, and community resilience. Its well-preserved exterior and layered history offer visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s multicultural legacy. While interior access is limited, planning your visit during special events or guided tours can provide deeper engagement. Explore nearby attractions to enrich your experience, and use resources like the Austin Visitor Center and the Audiala app for the latest updates on events and tours (Texas Historical Commission, Austin Revitalization Authority, Austin Visitor Center).


References and Further Reading


For a curated experience, download the Audiala app for self-guided tours, event updates, and insider tips. Engage with Austin’s history through the Bailetti House and help preserve the city’s unique character for future generations.

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Austin

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Austin Central Fire Station 1
Austin Central Fire Station 1
Austin High School
Austin High School
Austin History Center
Austin History Center
Austin Memorial Park Cemetery
Austin Memorial Park Cemetery
Austin Public Library
Austin Public Library
Austin State Hospital
Austin State Hospital
Austin State Hospital Cemetery
Austin State Hospital Cemetery
Austin Women’S Club
Austin Women’S Club
B. J. Smith Property
B. J. Smith Property
Bailetti House
Bailetti House
Barbara Jordan
Barbara Jordan
Barton Springs Bath House
Barton Springs Bath House
Battle Hall
Battle Hall
Batts Hall
Batts Hall
Becker School
Becker School
Bethany Cemetery
Bethany Cemetery
Blanton Museum Of Art
Blanton Museum Of Art
Boardman-Webb-Bugg House
Boardman-Webb-Bugg House
Buen Retiro
Buen Retiro
Buford Tower
Buford Tower
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Cactus Cafe
Cactus Cafe
Camp Mabry Building 1
Camp Mabry Building 1
Cathedral Of Saint Mary
Cathedral Of Saint Mary
Central Christian Church
Central Christian Church
Circuit Of The Americas
Circuit Of The Americas
Claudia Taylor Johnson Building
Claudia Taylor Johnson Building
Colored Teachers State Association Of Texas Building
Colored Teachers State Association Of Texas Building
Commodore Perry Estate Hotel
Commodore Perry Estate Hotel
Concordia University Texas
Concordia University Texas
Confederate Soldiers Monument
Confederate Soldiers Monument
Crusemann-Marsh-Bell House
Crusemann-Marsh-Bell House
Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium
Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium
Dawson Stone House
Dawson Stone House
Deep Eddy Pool
Deep Eddy Pool
Dell Medical School At The University Of Texas At Austin
Dell Medical School At The University Of Texas At Austin
Denny-Holliday House
Denny-Holliday House
Donnan-Hill House
Donnan-Hill House
Driskill Hotel
Driskill Hotel
Ebenezer Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church
Edmund And Emily Miller House
Edmund And Emily Miller House
Edward Clark House Outbuilding
Edward Clark House Outbuilding
Elisabet Ney Home
Elisabet Ney Home
Elisabet Ney Museum
Elisabet Ney Museum
Elvira T. Manor Davis House
Elvira T. Manor Davis House
Emma West Flats
Emma West Flats
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church
Flawn Academic Center
Flawn Academic Center
Frank Erwin Center
Frank Erwin Center
French Legation
French Legation
Garrison Hall
Garrison Hall
General Land Office Building
General Land Office Building
George W. Davis Cemetery
George W. Davis Cemetery
George W. Sampson Home
George W. Sampson Home
George Washington
George Washington
George Washington Carver Museum And Cultural Center
George Washington Carver Museum And Cultural Center
Gerhard-Schoch House
Gerhard-Schoch House
Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
Gilfillan House
Gilfillan House
Goldsmith Hall
Goldsmith Hall
Gregory Gymnasium
Gregory Gymnasium
Hancock Recreation Center
Hancock Recreation Center
Harry Ransom Center
Harry Ransom Center
Henry H. And Bertha Sterzing Ziller House
Henry H. And Bertha Sterzing Ziller House
Herbert And Alice Bohn House
Herbert And Alice Bohn House
Herblin-Shoe House
Herblin-Shoe House
Hezikiah Haskell House
Hezikiah Haskell House
Hippie Hollow Park
Hippie Hollow Park
Hirschfeld Complex
Hirschfeld Complex
Hirshfeld Property
Hirshfeld Property
Hofheintz-Reissig Store
Hofheintz-Reissig Store
Horton-Porter, Goldie, House
Horton-Porter, Goldie, House
Hotel Provident & Heierman Bldg.
Hotel Provident & Heierman Bldg.
Hugh B. Hancock House
Hugh B. Hancock House
Hyde Park
Hyde Park
I. V. Davis Homestead
I. V. Davis Homestead
Ireland And Mary Graves House
Ireland And Mary Graves House
J. Frank Dobie House
J. Frank Dobie House
J. L. Buaas Building
J. L. Buaas Building
Jackson School Of Geosciences
Jackson School Of Geosciences
Jacob Larmour House
Jacob Larmour House
Jacob Leser House
Jacob Leser House
James D. Pfluger Pedestrian And Bicycle Bridge
James D. Pfluger Pedestrian And Bicycle Bridge
James M. And Leana B. Walsh House
James M. And Leana B. Walsh House
Johnson Home
Johnson Home
Joseph And Mary Robinson Martin House
Joseph And Mary Robinson Martin House
Joseph And Susanna Dickenson Hannig Museum
Joseph And Susanna Dickenson Hannig Museum
J.W. & Cornelia Rice Scarbrough House
J.W. & Cornelia Rice Scarbrough House
King-Von Rosenberg House
King-Von Rosenberg House
Kopperl House
Kopperl House
Lake Austin
Lake Austin
Lamar Boulevard Bridge
Lamar Boulevard Bridge
Larry Monroe Forever Bridge
Larry Monroe Forever Bridge
Las Ventanas
Las Ventanas
Little Campus
Little Campus
Littlefield Fountain
Littlefield Fountain
Livestrong Foundation
Livestrong Foundation
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library And Museum
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library And Museum
Main Building
Main Building
Malcolm And Margaret Badger Reed Estate
Malcolm And Margaret Badger Reed Estate
Mary Street Stone House
Mary Street Stone House
Masonic Cemetery
Masonic Cemetery
Mather-Kirkland House
Mather-Kirkland House
Mathews School
Mathews School
Mauthe-Myrick Mansion
Mauthe-Myrick Mansion
Mcclendon-Price House
Mcclendon-Price House
Mckinney Falls State Park
Mckinney Falls State Park
Mexic-Arte Museum
Mexic-Arte Museum
Montopolis Bridge
Montopolis Bridge
Moody Center
Moody Center
Moore-Flack House
Moore-Flack House
Moore-Hancock Farmstead
Moore-Hancock Farmstead
Mount Bonnell
Mount Bonnell
Neill-Cochran House
Neill-Cochran House
Norwood Tower
Norwood Tower
O. Henry Hall
O. Henry Hall
O. Henry Museum
O. Henry Museum
Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery
Okewell
Okewell
Old Lundberg Bakery
Old Lundberg Bakery
Old Rock Store
Old Rock Store
Onion Creek Lodge 220, Af & Am
Onion Creek Lodge 220, Af & Am
Paggi House
Paggi House
Painter Hall
Painter Hall
Paramount Theater
Paramount Theater
Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre
Parque Zaragoza Center
Parque Zaragoza Center
Pease School Building
Pease School Building
Penn And Nellie Wooldridge House
Penn And Nellie Wooldridge House
Pennybacker Bridge
Pennybacker Bridge
Perry–Castañeda Library
Perry–Castañeda Library
Peterson, George A., House
Peterson, George A., House
Philquist-Wood House
Philquist-Wood House
Physics, Math, And Astronomy Building
Physics, Math, And Astronomy Building
Platt-Simpson Building
Platt-Simpson Building
Q2 Stadium
Q2 Stadium
Rainey House
Rainey House
Rainey Street Historic District
Rainey Street Historic District
Randerson-Lundell Building
Randerson-Lundell Building
Red And Charline Mccombs Field
Red And Charline Mccombs Field
Republic Square
Republic Square
Robert S. Stanley House
Robert S. Stanley House
Robert S. Strauss Center For International Security And Law
Robert S. Strauss Center For International Security And Law
Rocky Cliff
Rocky Cliff
Roy-Hardin House
Roy-Hardin House
|
  Saint Mary'S Cathedral
| Saint Mary'S Cathedral
Scarbrough Building
Scarbrough Building
Scottish Rite Temple
Scottish Rite Temple
Seaholm Power Plant
Seaholm Power Plant
Shoal Creek
Shoal Creek
Simpson Memorial Methodist Church
Simpson Memorial Methodist Church
Sixth Street
Sixth Street
Smith-Clark And Smith-Bickler Houses
Smith-Clark And Smith-Bickler Houses
South Austin Museum Of Popular Culture
South Austin Museum Of Popular Culture
Southgate-Lewis House
Southgate-Lewis House
Southwestern Telegraph & Telephone Bldg.
Southwestern Telegraph & Telephone Bldg.
Sparks House
Sparks House
Splitrock (Burns-Klein House)
Splitrock (Burns-Klein House)
St. David’S Episcopal Church
St. David’S Episcopal Church
|
  St. Edward'S University Main Building And Holy Cross Dormitory
| St. Edward'S University Main Building And Holy Cross Dormitory
Stanley And Emily Finch House
Stanley And Emily Finch House
Statue Of Liberty Replica Monument
Statue Of Liberty Replica Monument
Sutton Hall
Sutton Hall
Swisher-Scott House
Swisher-Scott House
|
  Texas Federation Of Women'S Clubs Building
| Texas Federation Of Women'S Clubs Building
|
  Texas Governor'S Mansion
| Texas Governor'S Mansion
Texas Legislature
Texas Legislature
Texas Military Forces Museum
Texas Military Forces Museum
Texas State Capitol
Texas State Capitol
Texas State Cemetery
Texas State Cemetery
The Academy
The Academy
The Contemporary Austin
The Contemporary Austin
The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center On Congress Avenue
The Contemporary Austin - Jones Center On Congress Avenue
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
The Domain
The Domain
The Independent
The Independent
The Old Zimmerman Home
The Old Zimmerman Home
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Thompson Home
Thompson Home
Tmi Castle
Tmi Castle
Ufcu Disch–Falk Field
Ufcu Disch–Falk Field
Umlauf Sculpture Garden And Museum
Umlauf Sculpture Garden And Museum
University Junior High School
University Junior High School
University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Texas At Austin
University Teaching Center
University Teaching Center
Waggener Hall
Waggener Hall
Walnut Creek Baptist Church
Walnut Creek Baptist Church
Walter And Mae Simms House
Walter And Mae Simms House
Welch Hall
Welch Hall
Wells-Larue House
Wells-Larue House
West-Bremond Cottage
West-Bremond Cottage
West Fifth Street Bridge At Shoal Creek
West Fifth Street Bridge At Shoal Creek
Westgate Tower
Westgate Tower
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
William Green Hill House
William Green Hill House
William Sidney Porter House
William Sidney Porter House
Williams-Weigl House
Williams-Weigl House
Willie Nelson Statue
Willie Nelson Statue
Wooldridge Park
Wooldridge Park
Zach Theatre
Zach Theatre
Zeta Tau Alpha House
Zeta Tau Alpha House
Zilker Park
Zilker Park