National Register Listing

City Public Service Company Building

a.k.a. Petroleum Commerce Building

201 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX

The CPS building is a good example of the evolving work of Atlee and Robert Ayres who designed not only the original building, but its 1927 addition and later remodeling. Together with other downtown San Antonio buildings, the CPS building contributes to the inventory of early reinforced concrete construction that was introduced in San Antonio in the early 20th century. The period of significance extends from 1921 to 1946.

The building at 201 North Saint Mary's Street was completed in 1921 as the offices of the San Antonio Public Service Company (CPS). It is the first and only building constructed specifically to house the city's public utility provider. San Antonio Public Service Company was created in July, 1917 by the merger of San Antonio Traction Company and the San Antonio Gas and Electric Company. After this merger, the company experienced rapid expansion that paralleled the growth of the city, and it required larger offices to accommodate its business that served the transportation, gas and electrical needs of city residents. Continued expansion was anticipated, and the 3-story building was designed for additional floors that were added in 1927, bringing the building to its present 6-story height. The 1921 building was designed by Atlee B. Ayres, and the 1927 addition by Ayres and his son Robert M. Ayres. CPS remained at this location until June, 1955 when it outgrew the building and moved to its present headquarters at Navarro and Villita Streets.

The CPS Building satisfies Criterion A (local level) in the area Commerce as the home of San Antonio's utility provider for 34-years when the city grew from a population of 161,379 to over 406,811. (1920 and 1950 Federal Census) During this period, CPS restructured from a company providing both streetcar and utility services to only gas and electric services, then both bus and utility services and finally only utilities-developments that were typical of national trends in the early to mid-20th century. The building is also a good example of the evolving work of Atlee and Robert Ayres who designed not only the original building, but its 1927 addition and later remodeling. Together with other downtown San Antonio buildings, the CPS building contributes to the inventory of early reinforced concrete construction that was introduced in San Antonio in the early 20th century. The period of significance extends from 1921 to 1946.
Bibliography
Ayres, Atlee B. and Robert M. Papers, Architectural Drawings Collection, University of Texas at Austin.

Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library Vertical Files

Farriss, Martin T and Roy J. Sampson. Public Utilities: Regulation, Management and Ownership Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1973.

Haislet, John A. (ed.) Famous Trees of Texas. Austin: Texas Forest Service , 1970.

Henry, Jay. Architecture in Texas, 1895-1945. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1993.

Heusinger, Edward W. A Chronology of Events in San Antonio. San Antonio: Standard Printing Company, 1951.

How did we get where we are today? Unpublished typescript. City Public Service Company archives, April 20, 1976.

Institute of Texan Cultures Photographic Archives

San Antonio City Directories, 1922 to 1980.

San Antonio City Public Service Company Photographic Archives

Sanborn's Fire Insurance Maps, various editions

San Antonio Light January 23, 1923

San Antonio Express October 26, 1922; January 23, 1927; October 29, 1929

San Antonio Public Library Vertical Files

Steinfeldt, Cecilia. San Antonio Was. San Antonio: San Antonio Museum Association, 1978.

The Broadcaster various issues, 1922 to 1955

United States Federal Census, 1920 and 1950
Local significance of the building:
Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
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.