Our Story
who we are
Chateau Bellevue is owned by the Austin Woman’s Club. The Austin Woman’s Club (AWC) is a woman-owned 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is organized to support and preserve the historical and architectural heritage of Chateau Bellevue, which it has owned and operated since 1929.
The club's mission and activities include:
Preservation: Maintaining Chateau Bellevue, a recorded Texas Historic Landmark (since 1965) and City of Austin Historic Landmark (since 1974).
Education: Conducting and supporting educational, civic, and cultural programs for women.
Community Service: Providing philanthropic service and activities that improve opportunities for women and the Austin community.
Event Hosting: Allowing the rental of Chateau Bellevue for weddings, corporate meetings, and private events to fund its preservation and educational missions.
Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, Chateau Bellevue offers a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance as one of the city's premier event and wedding venues. Owned and operated by the Austin Woman’s Club, this beautifully preserved space is now a stunning backdrop for modern celebrations — from weddings and galas to corporate gatherings and private events. With versatile indoor and outdoor settings, timeless architecture, and a central location, Chateau Bellevue provides an unforgettable experience for any occasion.
Our history
Chateau Bellevue, home to the Austin Woman’s Club, was originally known as the “Old North Castle” and was built in 1874 by the North family. In 1892, Major Ira Hobart Evans purchased the mansion for his family and added many of the distinctive features that define the Chateau today, including its stained glass windows and intricate wooden detailing.
A Union Army veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Evans later made Texas his home and became a significant figure in the state’s development. He was the youngest Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, played a major role in expanding railroads across Texas, and was also a cofounder and director of Austin National Bank.
Under Evans’s ownership, Chateau Bellevue became a gathering place for social events, civic organizations, and even the Texas Historical Commission. In 1929, the Austin Woman’s Club purchased the property for $36,000, preserving it as both a meeting place for women and an important historic landmark. Today, the club continues its mission of protecting Chateau Bellevue as one of the last remaining examples of Victorian architecture in Downtown Austin.