Before the influx of white settlers, Native Americans visited the site for its nearby spring (today underwater).

In 1914 the property was purchased by Hal Sevier, editor of the Austin American, with his new wife Clara Driscoll.

They completed their villa two years later, inspired by a honeymoon visit to Lake Como in Italy.

Laguna Gloria remained the site of The Art School, and in 2003, the Driscoll Villa was renovated and again became an exhibition space, focusing on local and regional artists.

The site is immediately adjacent to Mayfield Park, also on the National Register of Historic Places.