Texas Tech System buys Bart Reagor home on 19th Street for use as chancellor’s residence, LubbockLights.com confirms

Lubbock, Texas — The Texas Tech University System (TTU System) announced today (April 24) the acquisition of a historic property in Lubbock to serve as the chancellor’s official residence and gathering place for the university system community.

At its Nov. 14, 2025, meeting, the TTU System Board of Regents approved the purchase of an official residence, and the property located on 19th Street, adjacent to the Texas Tech University (Texas Tech) campus, was purposefully selected.

The home was built in 1938 by renowned Lubbock architect and Texas Tech professor W.L. Bradshaw. Constructed during the early development of Texas Technological College, it stands among the most significant historic homes in Lubbock.

Situated on more than an acre, the residence will serve as a strategic asset for the TTU System and its component institutions. Its proximity to campus, along with the home’s layout and amenities, makes it well-suited to host small- and mid-sized gatherings and events for alumni, donors and key stakeholders, offering a welcoming, distinctive setting to strengthen relationships, advance institutional priorities and showcase the system’s breadth and impact.

“This residence represents an intentional investment in how we engage those who generously support and care deeply about our universities,” said Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell. “A Chancellor’s residence is not simply a home — it’s a working resource that supports fundraising, recruitment and external engagement. It will serve as a place to build meaningful connections, strengthen partnerships, and share the story of the Texas Tech University System in a personal and impactful way.”

The acquisition aligns the TTU System with peer university systems across the state, including the University of Texas System, Texas A&M University System, University of Houston System, and Texas Woman’s University System, each of which maintains a chancellor’s residence.

It also continues a longstanding TTU System tradition, marking the fourth chancellor’s residence since the system’s creation in 1996. The TTU System has periodically maintained an official chancellor’s residence for more than a decade, serving as a central venue for hosting donors, alumni and community partners. The previous residence, located on 21st Street, was sold in 2019.

Within the TTU System, Angelo State University and Midwestern State University maintain residences for their respective presidents. Texas Tech has also utilized residential properties to support engagement efforts, including a former president’s home on campus that was later transformed into the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center.

The purchase will initially be financed through commercial paper, with the potential to transition to a future bond issuance. No state-appropriated funds will be used to acquire the residence.

While this home represents a meaningful investment, the Board of Regents believes the purchase and associated costs are in the best interests of the TTU System. The residence will play an important role in advancing the system’s long-term success by strengthening fundraising and enhancing stewardship.

“The Board is committed to ensuring that this home serves as a dynamic and mission-driven space,” added Regent Tim Culp, chairman of the Finance Committee of the Board of Regents. “It will reflect the excellence of our institutions while supporting the continued growth and success of the Texas Tech University System.”

Plans are underway to partner with TTU System museums and heritage centers to thoughtfully curate the residence, highlighting the history, achievements and distinct identities of each system institution and creating an environment that reflects the TTU system’s mission and future goals.

The English Home, built for Lubbock surgeon O.W. English, was designated as a historical landmark in 1981. The Tudor Revival home features exposed half-timbering and steep gabled roofs, along with handmade oversized bricks to create the illusion of age.

Additional details regarding the transition and future use of the residence will be shared as plans are finalized.

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Built for O.W. English, Lubbock surgeon and early co-owner of West Texas Hospital, who practiced medicine in Lubbock over 50 years. “English”-style Tudor Revival home completed 1938 from design of architect W.L. Bradshaw, professor at Texas Technological College. Exposed half-timbering and steep gabled roofs are characteristic of Tudor Revival style. Handmade oversized Mexican bricks were combined with special mortar to create the illusion of age.