Martin Building
a.k.a. El Paso Electric Company Building
215 N. Stanton St., El Paso, TXDowntown El Paso's Martin Building is a notable example of the Chicago Style as interpreted in the southwestern United States, particularly in its decorative terra-cotta panels and frieze. In a city graced by many fine, early 20th-century structures, the Martin stands out as one of the most ornamented and intact.
In July of 1911, M.D. Roberts and William Martin Banner bought the property on which this building is situated. This purchase was made by Mr. J.B. Raynolds, president of the First National Bank, for the sum of $82,000. Poor business conditions, however, delayed the construction of the building until 1916. In part as a result of people seeking refuge from the Mexican revolution, El Paso grew tremendously in the period from 1915 to 1925, and the construction of the Martin Building reflects that growth. Completed in early 1917, the Martin Building cost $175,000.
Roberts and Banner had also built another Chicago Style commercial structure on Mesa and Mills Streets. Designed by Trost and Trost, it was called the Roberts- Banner building. Undoubtedly the designs of Trost's building influenced the architects of the Martin building, Brauhton, and Leibert. This new building was titled the Martin Building after Banner's middle name in an attempt to avoid confusion with the Roberts-Banner building. Originally, Banner and Roberts rented the first floor to the El Paso Electric Railway Company and the upper floors to a variety of tenants. In 1943, the El Paso Electric Company bought the entire building. This company retained ownership until it was purchased by the present owner in 1978. Rehabilitation was recently undertaken to restore the exterior and some parts of the interior, particularly on the ground floor.
The quality of the Martin Building is comparable to that of the contemporaneous Trost and Trost commercial building in El Paso (National Register, 1980), but it is distinguished architecturally in its own right. The terra-cotta exterior detailing would be considered noteworthy in any Texas city of the period, and the Martin Building retains its visual prominence at a major intersection in El Paso.
Local significance of the building:
In July of 1911, M.D. Roberts and William Martin Banner bought the property on which this building is situated. This purchase was made by Mr. J.B. Raynolds, president of the First National Bank, for the sum of $82,000. Poor business conditions, however, delayed the construction of the building until 1916. In part as a result of people seeking refuge from the Mexican revolution, El Paso grew tremendously in the period from 1915 to 1925, and the construction of the Martin Building reflects that growth. Completed in early 1917, the Martin Building cost $175,000.
Roberts and Banner had also built another Chicago Style commercial structure on Mesa and Mills Streets. Designed by Trost and Trost, it was called the Roberts- Banner building. Undoubtedly the designs of Trost's building influenced the architects of the Martin building, Brauhton, and Leibert. This new building was titled the Martin Building after Banner's middle name in an attempt to avoid confusion with the Roberts-Banner building. Originally, Banner and Roberts rented the first floor to the El Paso Electric Railway Company and the upper floors to a variety of tenants. In 1943, the El Paso Electric Company bought the entire building. This company retained ownership until it was purchased by the present owner in 1978. Rehabilitation was recently undertaken to restore the exterior and some parts of the interior, particularly on the ground floor.
The quality of the Martin Building is comparable to that of the contemporaneous Trost and Trost commercial building in El Paso (National Register, 1980), but it is distinguished architecturally in its own right. The terra-cotta exterior detailing would be considered noteworthy in any Texas city of the period, and the Martin Building retains its visual prominence at a major intersection in El Paso.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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About El Paso County
El Paso County Timeline
El Paso County, Texas, has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Apache, Comanche, and Jumano tribes. They lived off the land, hunting, farming, and trading. The first recorded European exploration of the region occurred in 1581 when Juan de Oñate claimed the area for Spain.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, El Paso County became an important stopping point along the Camino Real, a trade route connecting Mexico City with Santa Fe. Spanish settlers established the town of San Elizario in 1789 as a waystation for travelers. The settlement grew as more people arrived, including Mexican and American traders, and it became a center for ranching and farming.
In the mid-19th century, El Paso County experienced significant changes brought about by the Mexican-American War and the subsequent Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. With the establishment of the new border between Mexico and the United States, El Paso became a strategic area for trade and military operations. Fort Bliss, one of the oldest Army posts in the Southwest, was established in the area in 1848 to protect American settlers and the new border.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, El Paso County experienced a population boom due to the growth of mining, agriculture, and the railroad industry. The city of El Paso, which was incorporated in 1873, played a pivotal role in these developments. As a border town, it served as a gateway for trade with Mexico and witnessed significant cultural and demographic changes as diverse groups of immigrants arrived seeking economic opportunities.
Today, El Paso County continues to be an important region characterized by a unique blend of cultures, influenced by its rich history and its location on the U.S.-Mexico border. With a population of over 800,000, it is a vibrant center of commerce, education, and tourism, attracting visitors from both sides of the border and beyond.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, El Paso County became an important stopping point along the Camino Real, a trade route connecting Mexico City with Santa Fe. Spanish settlers established the town of San Elizario in 1789 as a waystation for travelers. The settlement grew as more people arrived, including Mexican and American traders, and it became a center for ranching and farming.
In the mid-19th century, El Paso County experienced significant changes brought about by the Mexican-American War and the subsequent Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. With the establishment of the new border between Mexico and the United States, El Paso became a strategic area for trade and military operations. Fort Bliss, one of the oldest Army posts in the Southwest, was established in the area in 1848 to protect American settlers and the new border.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, El Paso County experienced a population boom due to the growth of mining, agriculture, and the railroad industry. The city of El Paso, which was incorporated in 1873, played a pivotal role in these developments. As a border town, it served as a gateway for trade with Mexico and witnessed significant cultural and demographic changes as diverse groups of immigrants arrived seeking economic opportunities.
Today, El Paso County continues to be an important region characterized by a unique blend of cultures, influenced by its rich history and its location on the U.S.-Mexico border. With a population of over 800,000, it is a vibrant center of commerce, education, and tourism, attracting visitors from both sides of the border and beyond.
El Paso County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of El Paso County, Texas.
- 1682: Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate claims the El Paso area for Spain.
- 1827: El Paso del Norte is established as a new Mexican border town.
- 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, transferring the El Paso region from Mexico to the United States.
- 1850: El Paso becomes part of the newly formed Texas state.
- 1881: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches El Paso, spurring rapid growth and development.
- 1888: El Paso County is officially organized, with El Paso as the county seat.
- 1909: The Chamizal dispute is resolved, confirming the Rio Grande as the border between the United States and Mexico.
- 1916: The Mexican Revolution spills over into El Paso County, resulting in military clashes and tension along the border.
- 1924: The construction of the iconic Paso del Norte International Bridge is completed, further strengthening El Paso's role as a major border crossing.
- 1951: The Korean War leads to increased military presence in El Paso County, with the establishment of Fort Bliss.
- 1963: The El Paso Museum of Art is opened, showcasing a diverse collection of artwork from around the world.
- 1993: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is implemented, further boosting trade and economic activity in El Paso County.