National Register Listing

Burns Building

a.k.a. Penney's Building

401 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX

The Burns Building was a structure built in 1918 by the Estate of Hugh Burns. It was on the property of George M. Maverick, who first developed the site. Burns purchased the Houston Street property before his death, and his wife and son continued his plans to construct a retail building there.

The Burns Building was constructed in 1918 by the Estate of Hugh Burns (1845-1913) on property purchased from George M. Maverick who first developed the site. Burns purchased the Houston Street property prior to his death, and his widow and son continued his plans to construct a retail building there. The Burns Building was constructed at the beginning of a local building boom that extended from World War I until the beginning of the Depression. The building was designed by Fort Worth architects Sanguinet and Staats in association with San Antonio architect Charles Boelhauwe. Architect Ralph H. Cameron designed store window changes and a new interior stairway in 1921. The building's reinforced concrete construction allowed for widely spaced bays and large windows that emitted generous amounts of light, creating an effect known as the "daylight store.” Today it remains one of the city's early examples of this type of construction. From 1918 until 1985, the building played a continuous role in the commercial development of Houston Street as the city's retail center. From the time of its construction until 1932, it was occupied by Washer Brothers, a store that pioneered modern department store merchandising in San Antonio. Later tenants included D.L. Pincus, a leading men's wear store, Kress, and finally J.C. Penney's which remained in the Burns Building from 1941 until 1985. The Burns Building meets Criterion A (local level) in the areas of commerce and community planning and development for its association with the development of Houston Street as a center of the city's retail clothing business during both the boom and decline of downtown San Antonio. It is also significant under Criterion C (local level) as an example of a "daylight" building made possible by its reinforced concrete construction, and its association with Sanguinet and Staats, prominent early 20th century architects whose "skyscrapers" changed the face of Texas cities. The period of significance extends from 1918 to 1954.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Community Planning And Development; Architecture

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.

commerce community planning and development 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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.