National Register Listing

Staacke Brothers Building

a.k.a. Staacke Building;Exchange Furniture Building

309 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX
The Staacke Brothers Building is significant not only because it was designed by one of San Antonio's and Texas' most noted architects, James Riely Gordon, but because it is an excellent example of the architecture of the developing commercial society. It is one of Gordon's finest remaining buildings. Gordon combined new technology with changing attitudes and adapted Renaissance details of the Italian street architecture to meet the needs of his successful client. In San Antonio and in other trading centers of the state during the last two decades of the nineteenth century, it was becoming increasingly typical for a thriving enterprise to occupy a large, decorative commercial building. The successful merchants demanded buildings with distinction, particularly since illustrations of buildings often appeared with advertisements in newspapers thus presenting an identifying image to the public. The Staacke Building housed the largest carriage firm in the city known as Staacke Bros. The firm was established as a general merchandising business in 1849 by August F. Staacke, a German immigrant, who became one of the pioneer businessmen of Western Texas. The growth of the firm kept pace with that of the city and by 1894 Staacke Bros, occupied one of the most prominent buildings situated in the center of trade on E. Commerce Street. The highest priced business property was that along Commerce and Houston Streets.
Bibliography
Deed Records, Bexar County Courthouse, San Antonio, Texas.

Gordon, James Riely. Sketches From the Portfolio of James Riely Gordon, Archi-tect, San Antonio, Texas. St. Louis: A.B. Benesch Publishing Co., 1896. Jutson, Mary Carolyn. Alfred Giles: An English Architect in Texas and Mexico.

San Antonio: Trinity University Press, 1972.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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 architecture
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
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.