our History

In 1883, Scottish immigrant John Allan built the Victorian mansion now known as The Allan House. Allan was an attorney, public servant, and philanthropist. Initially Allan’s residence, the house was later used as a girls’ school and boarding home after Allan’s passing in 1888. Allan bequeathed the property to the City of Austin with a request that the city establish an industrial school.

In 1905, Thomas E. Thrasher purchased The Allan House from the school board and it became known as The Allan-Thrasher House.

During the 94 years that the house was owned by the Thrasher family, it was often host to relatives who came for holidays, to spend summers, and to live while attending The University of Texas. On December 31, 1999, Vicki and Daniel Ross purchased The Allan House.

Determined to restore the elegant building to its previous splendor, the Ross Family oversaw a complete renovation that maintained the home’s historic beauty, while updating it with modern conveniences. The Ross' consider themselves to be stewards of the home and its history. They are ever mindful that The Allan House is now one of approximately one hundred houses in Austin that are 135 or more years old, a last vestige of times past, and an architecture disappearing among the towering buildings of downtown Austin.

OUR TEAM


Juliana Woolston

Director of Events
Juliana Woolston has served as the Director of Events for two of Austin's most historic wedding and event venues, The Allan House and its sister property, Brodie Homestead, since 2012. She has overseen hundreds of events in her tenure and is known for creating a calm, organized and supportive environment for couples and clients. She is proud to help bring milestone celebrations to life at a property that has been part of Austin's history for more than a century. As a native Austinite (and former Allan House bride), she brings an insider's love for the city to every event she orchestrates. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, perusing thrift stores and hosting dinner parties!

Alex Tisdale

Event Manager
Alex Tisdale is the charismatic venue manager behind two of Austin's most beloved historic spaces, The Allan House and Brodie Homestead. Known for her wit and warmth, Alex has a talent for making every client, vendor and guest feel valued and at ease. Formerly a wedding coordinator (and a proud Virgo), Alex has a keen eye for detail. She loves working closely with vendors, planners and venue staff to ensure every event element aligns with The Allan House's standards for service and hospitality. Alex loves discovering new restaurants with her husband (she was a 2025 bride!) and soaking up live music whenever she can. Her blend of expertise, charm and kindness ensures every event she touches is memorable.

We are proud to be a family-owned and operated business


Since The Allan House opened as an event venue in 2000, it has been host to thousands of weddings, corporate events and other celebrations. The house is at its most beautiful when it is filled with the goodwill of people who are gathered to promote a worthy cause or celebrate with loved ones.

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Past Events

The Allan House