Pioneer Farms
Orsay Turret - 1895
This bay-window turret was once part of the Henry Orsay House, the circa-1870 building that sits just to the south of this site. It was part of addition to the original house, and was constructed about.
When the Orsay House was moved to Pioneer Farms in August 2006 to save it from demolition at its original site at 903 Neches Street, this turret section had to be removed to facilitate the relocation of the original house. Rather than demolish it, the decision was made to preserve this portion separately, as a building on the town square that may eventually be used for exhibits or a shop.
The turret was a common feature for buildings beginning in the 1880s, and they commonly decorated corners like this one. A variety of businesses were associated with buildings of this type: banks, apothecaries, general stores, among others.
Funds are currently being raised to restore this building as a part of the Sprinkle Corner town square. Eventually, it will be part of a row of shops in this block, including the General Store and one or two additional buildings to be added in between.
Sources: Austin History Center, Pioneer Farms Archives.