Waco, Texas story
The Italianate Dream
The story of East Terrace House and John Wesley Mann.
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Perched above the Brazos River at 100 Mill Street is the East Terrace House, one of Waco's most iconic historic homes. Built by Tennessee entrepreneur John Wesley Mann for his bride, Cemira, this Italianate villa-style mansion was finished in 1874. Mann even added an Entertainment Wing in 1884, complete with a ballroom for lavish parties.
It's a stunning example of architecture and material culture tied to the early families of Waco. After a period of use as a storage unit, it was saved and given to the Waco Historical Society in the 1960s, remaining a beautiful reminder of the uma l'amore and lavish living of the century before.
Updated June 2026