National Register Listing

Commercial Building at 4113 Guadalupe Street

4113 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX
On Hyde Park's primary commercial thoroughfare, the commercial building at 4113 Guadalupe is the most intact example in a cluster of storefronts along the street. In continuous use for commercial purposes since its construction in 1920, the building suggests Hyde Park's nature as a largely self-sufficient suburban community. Local business establishments historically played an integral role in the community, and businesses such as shoe shops and beauty shops have provided services to the neighborhood from this storefront. Erected at the beginning of Hyde Park's greatest building boom, 4113 Guadalupe retains a high level of its historic integrity. It is therefore nominated for its local architectural significance under Criterion C.

The property at 4113 Guadalupe was sold by the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Land Co. to Mary Ottie Hartson on September 20, 1911 (DR 247:478). Hartson in turn conveyed the land to R.B. McMichael nine years later for $600 (DR 155:564), a price that suggests the property had been modestly improved at best. On October 25, 1920, R.B. and Ella McMichael contracted with builder L. Shaffer to "construct, erect, finish and deliver complete in a true, perfect and workmanlike manner, a l-story box store building in accordance with the plans and specifications agreed upon. . ." for $1050. Documentary evidence suggests that Nalle & Co. was Shaffer's source of building materials for 4113 Guadalupe (DR 298: 381,382).

In 1921 the McMichaels sold their property to B.N. Payton, who in turn sold it to James McConnachie (DR 333:263; 440:171), who resided at 4411 Avenue B and owned numerous buildings in Hyde Park including the post office building, Kelly Garage and Roy George Filling Station on West 43rd Street, and houses at 4207 and 4209 Guadalupe (Probate File No. 19,425). McConnachie and his wife retained ownership of the building at 4113 Guadalupe until 1974, when the administrator of their estate conveyed the property to Ludmilla A. Ermis.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

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.

architecture
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Travis County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.