One of the most well-known mansions in El Paso, linked to one of the city’s most notorious crimes, may soon be up for sale with an asking price that could be as much as $1.2 million.
Located at 525 Corto Way in the city’s Sunset Heights neighborhood, the Kohlberg Mansion is named in honor of Ernst Kohlberg, one of the wealthiest and most well-known businessmen in El Paso.
Owner of the big International Cigar Factory, Kohlberg, at the age of 43, was murdered in June of 1910 by a disgruntled business associate named John Leech.
Leech, who owned and operated the Southern Hotel, was upset because a lawyer for Kohlberg had served him with an eviction notice owing to being several months late on his mortgage note. He encountered Kohlberg at the store that was a part of the cigar operation. When Kohlberg told him that the matter was out of his hands and walked away, Leech pulled out a .38 caliber pistol and shot him in the back.
Kohlberg died within minutes of the shot. Subsequently arrested, Leech, according to the El Paso Times, simply remarked, “Well, it had to be done.”
The Kohlberg Mansion, which was already being talked about locally because of its splendor and was completed near the time of Kohlberg’s murder, forever became identified with the tragedy.
In the decades to come the home, which was designed by the well-known architectural firm of Trost & Trost, stayed in the Kohlberg family before being purchased by other parties and undergoing some renovation work.
Preservationists have long saluted the structure for its Spanish Mediterranean style, Spanish tile roof, and doric pillars and pilasters.
According to a website maintained by the Henry C. Trost Historical Organization, the home is also distinguished by an oak-paneled fireplace and built-in bookcases, along with a music room, large dining room, and buffet space featuring a large stained-glass window.
The mansion hasn’t yet been officially listed for sale, but according to the publication El Paso Inc., “it is expected to hit the market soon.”
Five months after the Kohlberg murder, Leech was sentenced to life imprisonment but was pardoned in 1934 by Texas Governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson.
November 7, 2025
By Garry Boulard
Photo courtesy of City of El Paso Library
