National Register Listing

Alamo National Bank Building

105 S. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX

The Alamo National Bank Building is a historic building in San Antonio, Texas that is now being converted into a hotel.

The Alamo National Bank Building was constructed in 1929-30 as the new home for San Antonio's third-largest banking institution. The bank took its name from the historic Alamo which adjoined the mercantile business of Hugo, Schmeltzerand Company whose partners helped charter Alamo National Bank in 1891. Originally capitalized for $250,000, the bank grew steadily, surviving the economic panics of the 1890s. The bank moved to a new building in 1900, and did business there until March 1930 when the imposing, 24-story building at the southwest corner of Commerce and St. Mary's Streets was completed. The building, designed by the renowned Chicago firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst and White, joined other tall buildings that changed San Antonio's skyline in the first two decades of the 20"' century. At the time of its completion, the building, with its ornate lobbies and elaborate terra cotta embellishments, was the city's second-tallest structure. The office tower housed San Antonio's leading oil and insurance companies, as well as professionals including attorneys, architects and physicians. The bank maintained its position as the city's third largest financial institutions throughout the Depression and war years before falling victim to the banking crisis of the 1980s. Alamo National Bank,together with other banks in its holding company, was the subject of the third largest bank rescue in U.S. history to that point. Bank One, which acquired the failed institution, continued to operate in the historic banking lobby and the tower remained occupied by a variety of commercial tenants. Work began in 2005 to convert the building to a hotel which will open in Spring 2006. The building is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A (local level)in the area's of economics and commerce because of its 75-year association with local banking through periods of economic stability, growth and crisis. The building is also eligible for the Register under Criterion C (local level) as one of the city's finest tall buildings constructed during the boom period of the 1920s, and as a excellent example of the work of Graham, Anderson, Probst and White. The period of significance extends from 1929 to 1956.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Economics; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

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.

commerce economics architecture
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

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

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

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.