National Register Listing

Brady Building-Empire Theater

204 E. Houston St.--226 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX

The Brady Building was an office building in San Antonio, Texas that was built in 1914. It was used as an opera house and theater during the pre-Depression boom period.

The Brady Building was constructed in 1914 by San Antonio insurance broker and real estate investor Thomas F. Brady (1836-1923). Brady purchased the site in 1890, retained the old Turner Halle that stood on the property, and operated an opera house and theater there until 1914 when he constructed a new, modern office building and theater. Located at San Antonio's 100% corner, the heart of the city's commercial district, the 8-story building contained modern offices and the 1,800 seat Empire Theater, at that time the city's largest motion picture venue. The St. Louis firm of Mauran, Russell and Crowell designed Brady's building five years after completing the Gunter Hotel (1909) directly across Houston Street in which Brady was also an investor. Constructed during a local economic boom that began c.1912 and extended until 1929, the Brady Building incorporated the latest in design elements. Each office was generously lighted by multiple large windows made possible by the building's steel frame construction. The building featured high speed elevators and telephone, electric, gas and water service to each office. The theater's first floor and two balconies and were heated and ventilated by a forced air system. The theater continued to operate as a movie house until 1975, and the office building remained occupied until the 1980s. It was renovated in 1992 as apartments. The theater was renovated in 1997-98 as a performing arts venue and re-opened in April 1998. The Brady Building meets Criterion A (local level) in the area of commerce as a tall building constructed by a local business investor during San Antonio's pre-Depression boom period. It is also significant in the area of entertainment and recreation as a building constructed to house the Empire Theater, the city's largest motion picture theater in 1914. The period of significance extends from 1914 until 1948.
Local significance of the building:
Entertainment/recreation; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

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.

entertainment recreation commerce
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
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.