THE W. D. BENSON HOUSE

Built in 1909 in the 1300 block of Avenue K, the house was constructed as a two-story colonial revival structure with arched gables, Victorian siding, diamond-paned windows, and an overall style that reflected the prominence of the Benson family. W.D. Benson and his family came to Lubbock in 1902 and Benson is said to be Lubbock’s first lawyer to have a law library, to employ a secretary, and to use a typewriter. He was the grandfather of Dan Benson, Professor Emeritus of the Texas Tech University Law School.

The home remained in downtown Lubbock until sometime in the late 1930s when it was moved to 2406 9th Street and was eventually converted into apartments for Tech students.

When North Overton was earmarked for redevelopment, the LHS listed 15 houses in the neighborhood worthy of landmark status.

The Benson house was high on the list and its owner, Mr. Lane Hardwicke, negotiated persuasively for the preservation of the house, striking a deal with Mr. Delbert McDougal on acquiring the property to donate the home to the Lubbock Interfaith Hospitality Network and move it downtown, near its original location.  

The W.D. Benson House is now officially a Lubbock Landmark, poised for adaptive use by the Lubbock Interfaith Hospitality Network in its mission to assist homeless families and find them permanent housing. The LHS is proud to have been a part of this moving story. We look forward to participating in the restoration process.

~ excerpted from the LHS newsletter, Insite, Vol. 5 Issue 2, Winter 2005

The Latest on the W. D. Benson House

We are very gratified to announce that the W.D. Benson house has been saved and moved to a location just three blocks from its original site. It will become a part of the Lubbock Interfaith Hospitality Network, with the exterior retaining its original look and the interior designed to accommodate the needs of this very worthy organization.

OTHER LUBBOCK HISTORIC STRUCTURE SPOTLIGHTS

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