This 118-year-old historic residence was once the private home of Gov. Joseph and Orline Walter Sayers – now known as the Sayers House. As envisioned by Page Brothers Architects, this architectural masterpiece is a testament to a bygone era: original fireplaces, windows, flooring and woodwork preserve the touch of Orline Walter Sayers, noted hostess of Austin, while discreet updates offer modern convenience. Beyond its historical allure, this property's mixed-use zoning opens a world of potential uses. The 6,872-square-foot property is currently converted into separate apartments. The first floor is wheelchair accessible with two full bathrooms, ensuring ADA compliance if public use is desired. In the attic apartment, a unique piece of history awaits, with a fireplace designed in Masonic iconography—a legacy of Gov. Joseph Sayers' association with the Masons. Imagine the many possible uses of this historic and flexible space, from boutique art gallery to an intimate bed-and-breakfast, or even a unique event space that combines historical charm with modern convenience in Downtown Austin. Nearby amenities include the Texas Capitol, Travis County Court House, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Lady Bird Lake Trails, and the vibrant W 6th entertainment district. Come visit this exceptional residence where history, updates and unique features converge, and where mixed-use zoning offers opportunities for your vision to flourish.
Explore the enduring charm of this 118-year-old historic residence once the private retreat of Gov. Joseph Sayers –now called the Sayers House. Nestled along scenic Rio Grande Street, this architectural masterpiece, envisioned by Page Brothers Architects, is a testament to a bygone era, seamlessly blended with modern elements, thanks to its mixed-use zoning. Inside this prestigious property, you'll find captivating features that would have delighted Orline Walter Sayers, renowned for her artistic talents and hosting prowess. Original fireplaces, windows, flooring and woodwork preserve the historical integrity while offering modern convenience. This expansive 6,872-square-foot property has been ingeniously converted into separate apartments, thanks to its mixed-use zoning, offering a world of possibilities. The first floor has been designed for wheelchair accessibility, ensuring convenience. In the attic apartment, a unique piece of history awaits, with a fireplace mantel adorned with Masonic iconography—a tribute to Gov. Joseph Sayers' association with the Masons. Beyond its historical allure, this property's mixed-use zoning opens up a world of potential uses. Imagine the possibilities, from a boutique art gallery to an intimate bed-and-breakfast, or even a unique event space that combines historical charm with modern convenience. Nearby amenities, include the Texas Capitol, Travis County Court House, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Lady Bird Lake Trails, and the vibrant W 6th entertainment district further enhance its appeal. Step into this exceptional residence where history and unique features converge, and where mixed-use zoning offers a world of opportunities for your vision to flourish.
Unlock MLS #3399959
Nov 25, 2024
Sold
*
Jul 22, 2024
Contingent
—
May 30, 2024
Price Changed
$3,990,000
$581/sq ft
Apr 13, 2024
Price Changed
$4,500,000
$655/sq ft
Jan 13, 2024
Relisted
—
Jan 13, 2024
Price Changed
$4,750,000
$691/sq ft
Nov 16, 2023
Contingent
—
Sep 14, 2023
Listed
$5,000,000
$728/sq ft
Public Records
Sep 19, 1994
Sold
*
$48/sq ft
Public Records
Nov 2, 1992
Sold
*
$25/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2026
$49,697 (−30.8%)
$1,476,900 + $951,523
$2,428,423
2025
$71,804 (+20.7%)
$1,641,000 + $1,867,671
$3,508,671
2024
$59,486 (+20.5%)
2023
$49,369 (+0.8%)
2022
$48,991 (−0.2%)
2021
$49,087 (+7.5%)
2020
$45,650 (+14.2%)
2019
$39,975 (+6.6%)
2018
$37,512 (+9.2%)
2017
$34,350 (+10.0%)
2016
$31,227 (+13.4%)
2014
$27,540 (+6.3%)
2013
$25,914 (+1.8%)
2012
$25,449 (+14.7%)
$492,300 + $559,741
$1,052,041
2011
$22,187 (+6.5%)
2010
$20,838
2009
$20,838
Tax history for 709 Rio Grande St
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2026
$49,697 (−30.8%)
$1,476,900 + $951,523
$2,428,423
2025
$71,804 (+20.7%)
$1,641,000 + $1,867,671
$3,508,671
2024
$59,486 (+20.5%)
2023
$49,369 (+0.8%)
2022
$48,991 (−0.2%)
2021
$49,087 (+7.5%)
2020
$45,650 (+14.2%)
2019
$39,975 (+6.6%)
2018
$37,512 (+9.2%)
2017
$34,350 (+10.0%)
2016
$31,227 (+13.4%)
2014
$27,540 (+6.3%)
2013
$25,914 (+1.8%)
2012
$25,449 (+14.7%)
$492,300 + $559,741
$1,052,041
2011
$22,187 (+6.5%)
2010
$20,838
2009
$20,838
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
—
Baths
3
Stories
2
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
8,207 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
6,872
Year built
1961
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Travis County
APN
105354
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Sep 21, 2026.
GO
CURE
CVC
NRHD
CJC
General Office District
General office (GO) district is the designation for an office or commercial use that serves community and city-wide needs. A building in a GO district may contain one or more different uses.
Zone overlays
Central Urban Redevelopment Combining District
Capitol View Corridor Overlay District
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Agriculture-Other
Day care facility
Housing-Senior
Infrastructure-Other
Bed & breakfast
Office
Medical office
Educational/school
Fire house
Museum / gallery
Feb 1, 2018 • Final
Building
Remove and replace rotted outer rail posts and decking. Replace the roof tiles and install a new roof deck on the front porch.
Roofing
Jan 17, 2013 • Final
Mechanical
Replace the heating and air conditioning system in an existing residential building.
HVAC
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Property details
Parking
Parking
Features: Additional Parking, Driveway, Gravel, Off Street
# of Parking (Total): 6
Interior
Virtual Tour
Bedroom Information
# of Main Level Bedrooms: 2
Bathroom Information
# of Full Bathrooms: 6
Room 1 Information
Kitchen
Description: Large gourmet kitchen at back of main floor
Features: Eat-in Kitchen, Gourmet Kitchen, High Ceilings, Pantry, Natural Woodwork
Level: Main
Room 2 Information
Description: Primary bathroom on main floor is fully accessible
Level: Main
Room 3 Information
Description: Primary bedroom on main floor is fully accessible with automatic door and ramps
Features: Natural Woodwork
Level: Main
Laundry Information
Features: Main Level
Fireplace Information
Has Fireplace
# of Fireplaces: 5
Features: Bedroom, Dining Room, Living Room
Equipment
Appliances: Dishwasher, Free-Standing Refrigerator, Disposal, Gas Range
Interior Features
Window Features: Shutters, Wood Frames
Accessibility Features: Adaptable Bathroom Walls, Customized Wheelchair Accessible, Central Living Area, Accessible Approach with Ramp, See Remarks, Accessible Entrance
Flooring: Tile, Wood
Other Features: Built-in Features, French Door(s)/Atrium Door(s), High Ceilings, High Speed Internet, Interior Steps, Multiple Living Areas, Main Level Primary, Natural Woodwork
Exterior
Building Information
Year Built Source: Public Records
Roof Details: Metal
Construction Details: Brick
Exterior Features
Exterior Features: Balcony, Exterior Steps
Patio And Porch Features: Front Porch, Patio, Terrace, Balcony
Other Structures: Living Quarters
Lot Information
Lot Size Area: 0.1884
Lot Size Acres: 0.1884
Lot Features: Corner Lot
Property Information
Has View
Direction Faces: West
Foundation Details: Pillar/Post/Pier
Financial
Assessments and Fees
Assessed Value: $2,480,658
Tax Information
Annual Tax Amount: $53,890
Tax Year: 2023
Utilities
Utility Information
Utilities: Cable Connected, Fiber Optic Available, Natural Gas Connected, Phone Connected, Sewer Connected, Water Connected
Sewer: Public Sewer
Water Source: Public
Heating & Cooling
Has Cooling
Cooling: Central Air, Wall/Window Unit(s)
Has Heating
Heating: Central, Fireplace(s)
Public facts
Beds: —
Baths: 3.0
Sq. Ft.: 6,872
Stories: 2.0
Lot Size: 8,207 square feet
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1961
Year Renovated: —
County: Travis County
APN: 105354
Home facts updated by county records on Sep 21, 2026
Around this home
Schools
Mathews Elementary School
Public PreK-6 • Assigned • 0.9mi
10/10
O Henry Middle School
Public 6-8 • Assigned • 1.8mi
6/10
Austin High School
Public 9-12 • Assigned • 1.1mi
7/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Lifestyle
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
8/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 108° expected this year, 22 days in 30 years
8/10 Wind Factor
80% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 1 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Austin, TX • 78701
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
60
40
71
49
81
58
83
64
88
68
94
76
95
77
98
77
94
71
90
65
78
56
69
49
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
In this area, properties receive around 9.4 hours in
June and 4.9 hours in December, which is comparable to the
U.S. average for solar exposure.
9.4 hrs
4.9 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Estimated sale price
$2.59M – $3.14M
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