William M. Owen House Complex
Round Rock used to be called Brushy Creek, but since there was already a Brushy Creek in East Texas, several residents are credited with selecting the name Round Rock. Records indicate that Postmaster Oatts submitted the name Round Rock on August 24, 1854, and the city of Round Rock was officially established.
The Owen House Complex is in the original old town of Round Rock. It has three separate buildings - the Oatts Building, the Owen House, and the recently added Reception hall. The two historic buildings reflect the style of other area structures of the 19th century.
William M. Owen House Complex
Round Rock used to be called Brushy Creek, but since there was already a Brushy Creek in East Texas, several residents are credited with selecting the name Round Rock. Records indicate that Postmaster Oatts submitted the name Round Rock on August 24, 1854, and the city of Round Rock was officially established.
The Owen House Complex is in the original old town of Round Rock. It has three separate buildings - the Oatts Building, the Owen House, and the recently added Reception hall. The two historic buildings reflect the style of other area structures of the 19th century.
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Oatts Building est. 1851-1853 Constructed between 1851 and 1853 by Thomas C. Oatts, the Oatts building is the one-story stone structure on the corner of Chisholm Trail Road and Manuel Street. It is one of the oldest buildings of Old town and originally housed a mercantile store and the first permanent post office for Round Rock. Both were operated by Thomas C. Oatts, the town’s first postmaster. 
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Owen House est. 1870 The two-story home was built around 1870 and for many years was the residence of Dr. William Mitch Owen, his wife Sarah and seven children. Dr. Owen was a prominent local physician and businessman. Throughout the years, the house had several owners and usually served as a residence, although it was briefly known as the St. Charles Hotel. The building received a Texas Historical marker in 1982 and has also been on the National Register of Historic properties since July 7, 1983. |
Reception Hall est. 2021
In May 2020, the Owen House Complex was purchased by the Giesen Linssen family. The two historic buildings of the Owen Complex have been restored in their former glory. And as an addition to the complex, a third stone building was built in 2021. This building has a large open space and is perfect for receptions and all kinds of special events.
In 2015, Isabella Linssen founded Santa’s Jingle House. Starting in 2021, the Owen Complex will be the new home of this Round Rock Christmas treasure.
