Dr. Irving T. McNeil Residence
El Paso, Texas
Description: Dr. Irving T. McNeil Residence
Other Names:
Address: 1917 North Mesa, El Paso, El Paso County, Texas
Type: domestic: single family home
Original Client: Dr. Irving T. McNeil
Historic Inventory:
Date: 1926-27
Condition: demolished
Architect or Firm: Henry C. Trost
Associated Architect or Firm: Trost & Trost
Contractors: Hayward and Betzel
Dimensions and Orientation: eight rooms, a sun parlor and upstair sleeping porch being included. The garage will be in connection with the home;
Budget/Cost: $10,000
Foundation:
Wall Materials: yellow brick, with greenish tent
Roofing Materials:
Other Materials Used:
Remodeling and Additions:
Present Owner:
Location of Drawings:
Location of Documentary Photographs:
Bibliography: (1)El Paso Herald, November 11, 1926 page 7 “Plans Are Drawn for a Nice Home for Dr. McNeil”
(2) El Paso Herald, November 9, 1927 page 4 picture show home as number 2
Remarks: Home of Dr. Irving McNeil – 1917 N. Mesa avenue
THIS HOUSE WAS THE FIRST TO BE BUILT IN EL PASO OF A NEW COLOR BRICK BEING MANUFACTURED BY THE INTERNATIONAL BRICK COMPANY.
In 1926, Dr. Irving McNeil hired the firm of Trost & Trost to design at home on Mesa. The home was a classic Doric influenced semi-colonial design. The home was constructed so that the sun would shine into each of the seven rooms. A screened-in pergola, covered at one end of the roof which was invisible from the street. This home was completed in early October.
The house was built of a yellow shade brick with a greenish tinge, was to be shipped into the city, but after several months of work the International Brick company was able to manufacture it in El Paso.
The home was demolished and replaced by a parking lot today.
Dr Irving McNeil was the U.S. Health Service chief in El Paso. He was born at Elm Hall Plantation in Napoleonville, La. He attended the University of Jackson and received his medical degree from George Washington in 1903. Dr McNeil came to El Paso in 1908 and entered private practice. He married Elizabeth Keeling and had 3 children.
As a medical officer in charge, he co-operated with the City-County Health Unit and health authorities in Juarez and was given much of the recognition for his part in bringing under control a smallpox epidemic which threatened both cities in 1933.
He was also instrumental in arranging for temporary admission to this country for Mexican nationals seeking medical attention in El Paso hospitals, some who came from as far as Mexico City.
Dr. Irving McNeil passed away in 1955.
Prepared for the El Paso Public Library by Lloyd C. and June F. Engelbrecht under a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, 1990