The Italianate Dream

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In 1858, an entrepreneur named John Wesley Mann moved from Tennessee with a grand vision. He wanted to build a home for his bride, Cemira, and the result was East Terrace. This stunning Italianate villa-style mansion sits high above the Brazos River.

By 1884, Mann had added an entire entertainment wing, complete with a ballroom for lavish parties that would have been the talk of the town. Though it spent some time as a storage unit, it was saved in the 1960s and now stands as one of Waco's most iconic historic homes. It's a glimpse into the high society of the 19th century.

Updated June 2026