White House Department Store and Hotel McCoy
109 Pioneer Plaza, El Paso, TXThe White House Department Store/Hotel McCoy, prominently sited as the terminal point of South El Paso Street, a major north-south axis between El Paso and Juarez, is an outstand- ing example of the Chicago School format. Since its opening in 1912, the first floor and basement housed the store while the remaining six floors were occupied by the Hotel McCoy, still in operation.
In September 1900, Felix Brunschwig along with three nephews, Gaston, Myrtil, and Arthur Coblentz came to El Paso from the "City of London" store in Juarez and opened the White House at San Antonio and Oregon Streets. Incorporated in 1903, the business grew rapidly and expanded into adjoining space. By 1912 this prosperous growth necessitated a move and a two-story brick building known as the "Little Plaza" was razed to make way for the present structure. Formal evening ceremonies in September of 1912 marked the opening of the new White House which was essentially a ladies' ready-to-wear and specialty store. The store earned a reputation of offering current styles and attentive service to its customers. Newspaper accounts claim that the White House brought the first window dresser to El Paso as well as the first fashion show.
An annex was constructed in approximately 1917 directly behind and connected to the existing building to allow expansion to a complete department store. Through the years this utilitarian structure, of concrete piers infilled with clay blocks, grew to seven stories with a penthouse. Though believed to be designed by Trost, this building is not visible from the street and is not considered a part of the nominated property. A move in 1922 expanded the White House into the first and second floors of the Mills Building (next door) and a connection was constructed between the two. Through the years the ground floor was modernized and today exists with vast areas of display space. However, the upper floors retain the historic lines which indicate the Chicago school style as well as the work of Trost.
Local significance of the building:
In September 1900, Felix Brunschwig along with three nephews, Gaston, Myrtil, and Arthur Coblentz came to El Paso from the "City of London" store in Juarez and opened the White House at San Antonio and Oregon Streets. Incorporated in 1903, the business grew rapidly and expanded into adjoining space. By 1912 this prosperous growth necessitated a move and a two-story brick building known as the "Little Plaza" was razed to make way for the present structure. Formal evening ceremonies in September of 1912 marked the opening of the new White House which was essentially a ladies' ready-to-wear and specialty store. The store earned a reputation of offering current styles and attentive service to its customers. Newspaper accounts claim that the White House brought the first window dresser to El Paso as well as the first fashion show.
An annex was constructed in approximately 1917 directly behind and connected to the existing building to allow expansion to a complete department store. Through the years this utilitarian structure, of concrete piers infilled with clay blocks, grew to seven stories with a penthouse. Though believed to be designed by Trost, this building is not visible from the street and is not considered a part of the nominated property. A move in 1922 expanded the White House into the first and second floors of the Mills Building (next door) and a connection was constructed between the two. Through the years the ground floor was modernized and today exists with vast areas of display space. However, the upper floors retain the historic lines which indicate the Chicago school style as well as the work of Trost.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
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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About El Paso County
El Paso County Timeline
El Paso County, Texas, has a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Apache, Comanche, and Jumano tribes. They lived off the land, hunting, farming, and trading. The first recorded European exploration of the region occurred in 1581 when Juan de Oñate claimed the area for Spain.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, El Paso County became an important stopping point along the Camino Real, a trade route connecting Mexico City with Santa Fe. Spanish settlers established the town of San Elizario in 1789 as a waystation for travelers. The settlement grew as more people arrived, including Mexican and American traders, and it became a center for ranching and farming.
In the mid-19th century, El Paso County experienced significant changes brought about by the Mexican-American War and the subsequent Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. With the establishment of the new border between Mexico and the United States, El Paso became a strategic area for trade and military operations. Fort Bliss, one of the oldest Army posts in the Southwest, was established in the area in 1848 to protect American settlers and the new border.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, El Paso County experienced a population boom due to the growth of mining, agriculture, and the railroad industry. The city of El Paso, which was incorporated in 1873, played a pivotal role in these developments. As a border town, it served as a gateway for trade with Mexico and witnessed significant cultural and demographic changes as diverse groups of immigrants arrived seeking economic opportunities.
Today, El Paso County continues to be an important region characterized by a unique blend of cultures, influenced by its rich history and its location on the U.S.-Mexico border. With a population of over 800,000, it is a vibrant center of commerce, education, and tourism, attracting visitors from both sides of the border and beyond.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, El Paso County became an important stopping point along the Camino Real, a trade route connecting Mexico City with Santa Fe. Spanish settlers established the town of San Elizario in 1789 as a waystation for travelers. The settlement grew as more people arrived, including Mexican and American traders, and it became a center for ranching and farming.
In the mid-19th century, El Paso County experienced significant changes brought about by the Mexican-American War and the subsequent Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. With the establishment of the new border between Mexico and the United States, El Paso became a strategic area for trade and military operations. Fort Bliss, one of the oldest Army posts in the Southwest, was established in the area in 1848 to protect American settlers and the new border.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, El Paso County experienced a population boom due to the growth of mining, agriculture, and the railroad industry. The city of El Paso, which was incorporated in 1873, played a pivotal role in these developments. As a border town, it served as a gateway for trade with Mexico and witnessed significant cultural and demographic changes as diverse groups of immigrants arrived seeking economic opportunities.
Today, El Paso County continues to be an important region characterized by a unique blend of cultures, influenced by its rich history and its location on the U.S.-Mexico border. With a population of over 800,000, it is a vibrant center of commerce, education, and tourism, attracting visitors from both sides of the border and beyond.
El Paso County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of El Paso County, Texas.
- 1682: Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate claims the El Paso area for Spain.
- 1827: El Paso del Norte is established as a new Mexican border town.
- 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, transferring the El Paso region from Mexico to the United States.
- 1850: El Paso becomes part of the newly formed Texas state.
- 1881: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway reaches El Paso, spurring rapid growth and development.
- 1888: El Paso County is officially organized, with El Paso as the county seat.
- 1909: The Chamizal dispute is resolved, confirming the Rio Grande as the border between the United States and Mexico.
- 1916: The Mexican Revolution spills over into El Paso County, resulting in military clashes and tension along the border.
- 1924: The construction of the iconic Paso del Norte International Bridge is completed, further strengthening El Paso's role as a major border crossing.
- 1951: The Korean War leads to increased military presence in El Paso County, with the establishment of Fort Bliss.
- 1963: The El Paso Museum of Art is opened, showcasing a diverse collection of artwork from around the world.
- 1993: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is implemented, further boosting trade and economic activity in El Paso County.