National Register Listing

Central Trust Company Building

a.k.a. South Texas Building

603 Navarro St., San Antonio, TX

The Central Trust Company Building is a historic building in San Antonio, Texas. It was built in 1919 and is an excellent example of an early twentieth century, high-rise commercial building in San Antonio and is one of the relatively few surviving examples of an early Beaux Arts Style office tower in Texas.

The Central Trust Company Building at 603 Navarro Street is an excellent example of an early twentieth century, high-rise commercial building in San Antonio and is one of the relatively few surviving examples of an early Beaux Arts Style office tower in Texas. Located a few blocks northwest of the Alamo, the twelve-story structure was designed by the well-known Fort Worth architectural firm of Sanguinet and Staats in association with local architects, Atlee B. Ayers and Charles T. Boelhauwe. Begun in 1919 and completed in December the following year, the Central Trust Company Building displays many similarities with Sanguinet and Staats' Burke Burnett Building (listed in the National Register) in Fort Worth. Through the building's history, the ground floor has been used for banking and/or retail space, while the upper floors have been leased as offices for professionals and businessmen. Few alterations have permanently affected the exterior's historic character; however, the base (floors one through three) was remodeled in 1947. The interior was substantially modified at this time. The current owners are presently restoring the exterior to its 1919 appearance and, abiding by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, are renovating the interior for use as modern office space.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.