A.D. Stenger (1920-2002)

Photo courtesy of Riley Triggs http://stenger.rileytriggs.com

Photo courtesy of Riley Triggs http://stenger.rileytriggs.com

Arthur Dallas Stenger better known as A.D. Stenger is perhaps one of Austin's better known residential architects, an impressive feat for someone that dropped out of UT prior to graduating.  A.D. Stenger was not one to follow the traditional path however.  He was innovative, had strong opinions and wasn't afraid to do things his own way.  In 1950 he passed his architectural exams just prior to graduating the University of Texas School of Architecture. The demand for post war housing was high, and he was ready to work.

Stenger was more than just an Architect however, he also a builder, and a successful entrepreneur. He has been often compared to Eichler who during the same period of time was busy developing large modern subdivisions in California.  While the comparison is a fair one, Eichler and Stenger do have several large differences. First off Eichler was not actually an architect at all, just a savvy real estate developer who employed multiple architects who designed very similar houses for him. Eichler often times used exact floor plans of houses next to each other simply switching up orientation and rooflines to make them look unique. Stenger on the other hand built his houses one at a time often working on them himself. While there were occasional duplicates, the vast majority of the over 100 homes he built in the Austin area were completely unique. We find the highest concentration of Stenger homes in three neighborhoods he developed, South Lund Park, Ridgewood Village and Stenger Addition. These areas were picked by Stenger as they were originally outside of city limits, giving him less restriction as to what he was able to build. 

Love A.D. Stenger?

I have compiled a list of 50+ A.D. Stenger homes in the area and keep a close eye on them. If you are interested in purchasing a Stenger home please contact me. Alternately if you already own an A.D. Stenger home please consider joining the A.D. Stenger FB group to connect with other owners in the Austin area.

What does aN A.D. Stenger designed home look like?

Here are a few from my list:

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And a few that have recently been listed on the MLS.

Featured
1904 Arthur : AD Stenger
1904 Arthur : AD Stenger

A. D. Stenger’s first home built is up for sale, but so much has changed in the last 75 years it begs the question; Is it still a Stenger? It’s not that I’m against updating a home, and to be fair it’s a gorgeous house and I would love to live in it. Check out the last photo for the before…

Price: $4,195,000

Details: 3,845 sf, 4 Bed, 5 Bath

2300 Rundell : AD Stenger
2300 Rundell : AD Stenger

This 1950 house designed by Austin’s own A.D. Stenger would have been one of his first after graduating (dropping out really) from UT. While it’s changed over the years including a quirky movable-wall addition by MJ Neal, it is still a quintessential Stenger mid century modern.

Details: 2,199 sf, 4 Bed, 3 Bath

2602 Rae Dell
2602 Rae Dell

Here’s a lovely A. D. Stenger designed home in Barton Hills. This one looks amazingly intact still and rumor has it that Mr Stenger himself actually lived here at one time. I absolutely love all the original finishes in this house, something you often don’t get with a Stenger. Amazing price on this one too.

Price: $999,000

Details: 1,240 sf, 2 Bed, 1 Bath

1903 Dexter : A.D. Stenger
1903 Dexter : A.D. Stenger

Here’s a great opportunity for someone looking for a unmolested AD Stenger house. All the details that make his projects recognizable are still present and ready for a loving update. Really great location and yard with this one too.

Price: $1,100,000

Details: 1,459 sf, 2 Bed, 1 Bath

411 Ridgewood
411 Ridgewood

It’s getting rarer and rarer to come across these un-updated A.D. Stenger homes these days. This particular one looks like it had an addition at some point, but it’s been a minute and it still looks mostly intact. Lot’s of great bones here, could make an amazing home with a bit of work (money).

Price: $1,595,000

Details: 2,118 sf, 3 Bed 3 Bath

412 Ridgewood : AD Stenger
412 Ridgewood : AD Stenger

Here is a wonderful thoughtfully updated A. D. Stenger home. I’m sure it’s seen at least a few remodels over the years, but clearly the original nature of the house has been unchanged. Loving the pool on this one too.

Price: $1,950,000

Details: 2,200 sf, 4 Bed, 3 Bath

2301 Rundell : AD Stenger
2301 Rundell : AD Stenger

This AD Stenger designed and built home got a major update in 2016 when they added nearly 1,000 sf to the home. The updated home is fairly dramatically different from the original flat roofed home in design, but still very much in the original spirit.

Price: $1,850,000

Details: 2,302 sf, 3 Bed, 4 Bath

1004 Lund : A.D. Stenger
1004 Lund : A.D. Stenger

Here’s a great example of an A. D. Stenger designed and built house. It looks like its seen some updates but it still has all the classic details you expect of a Stenger home. The main house is a 3 bed 2 bath and there is a 1 bed 1 bath underneath.

Price: $1,200,000

Details: 2,540 sf, 4 Bed, 4 Bath

433 Brady : AD Stenger
433 Brady : AD Stenger

Though it’s not specifically marketed as such, I’m fairly certain that this home was in fact design, and likely built, by A. D. Stenger. As luck would have it, it looks like it’s been maintained mostly original too. Thanks to a large mostly clear lot this one would be a great candidate for a tasteful update and expansion.

Price: $975,000

Details: 2,217 sf, 3 Bed, 2 Bath

1105 Azie Morton
1105 Azie Morton

This is the perfect way to wrap up a week of gorgeous luxury homes. This one was originally designed and built by A.D. Stenger in 1956 but it has more recently been perfectly remodeled under the careful eye of Stuart Sampley. Cream of the crop here folks. #slowclap

Price: $1,595,000

Details: 2,430 sf, 4 Bed, 3 Bath