The James C. Nagle House at 1615 Pearl is first listed in city directories in 1929 but was originally listed in the 1916 and 1920 directories as 1607 Pearl. Emily and James Nagle purchased this lot in 1914 and erected a two-story frame house for their residence. James was chairman of the State Board of Water Engineering at the time, a position he held until 1916. He became president of the Panama Pacific Products Company in 1918. Though the Nagles retained ownership until 1924, by 1918 the house was occupied by Cordelia and John W. Scarbrough. John was one of the sons of E.M. Scarbrough & Sons. The Scarbroughs lived here until 1920, when they moved to 1801 West Avenue (see J.W. Scarbrough House).

Real estate agent K.C. Miller purchased the property in 1924 and leased it to a variety of tenants. Zula & G.H. Harrington resided here from at least 1935 to 1949. According to George Shelley the Harringtons (who were very wealthy but rented this house) were at this address by 1928, when his parents moved into 1700 West Avenue. Harrington had a stroke and, unable to climb stairs, converted the downstairs porch into a bedroom and bath. He died in 1947 and Zula moved out in late 1949.

Charles Hilberg purchased the house in 1955 and rented it to a succession of tenants and UT students.