Austin Daily Tribune Building
a.k.a. Ernest O. Thompsom Building
920 Colorado, Austin, TXThe Austin Daily Tribune Building is a building in the Moderne style by Shirley Simon, Sr., of Tyler, Texas, and is significant as one of the best local examples of a multi-level Moderne-style commercial building. The design incorporates Moderne principles, such as rounded corners with continuous windows, a flat roof, and asymmetrical facades, with Art Deco-inspired decorative elements.
Austin became the state capital simultaneously with Texas' transfer from a republic to statehood in 1845. In 1853, government offices were constructed including the Capitol at the head of Congress Avenue.
Austin experienced another boom in 1871 when the Houston and Texas Central Railway came to the city, fostering recovery after the difficulties of the Civil War. Austin continued as a political center through the 1870s and 1880s and became a center for education when the University of Texas (1881) chose to locate there.
The oil boom that brought industrial development to the state between 1880 and the 1920s largely passed by Austin. The 1928 city plan emphasized the residential, cultural, and educational strengths of Austin. In the 1930s, the University of Texas undertook a massive construction program and the Public Works Administration funded municipal construction projects to offset the harsh effects of the Depression Era in Austin. A series of dams constructed after 1940 supplied the city with hydroelectric power and water while creating lakes that enhanced Austin's recreational appeal.
Phillip Bouchard, the original owner of the site occupied by the Austin Daily Tribune Building, bought the land from the State of Texas in 1850 for $200. (Figure 8-1, page 18) A 2-story residence owned by George Fiegel sat on the site and remained in the family until 1937 when it was sold to George and Laura Prewitt. The Prewitts sold the property to J.W. West, who converted the lot to commercial use with the construction of the Tribune Building. The evolution of the Tribune Building's site from residential to commercial usage illustrates a trend in neighborhoods in the vicinity of downtown Austin. Beginning in the early 20"' century, Austin's downtown expanded, spreading west from the primary commercial thoroughfare. Congress Avenue. Projects completed in the 1930s and 1940s expanded the State Capitol complex outside of the Capitol grounds and constructed several municipal buildings in the downtown area. In the early 1950s, the buildings west of Lavaca Street, one block west of the Tribune Building, continued to function as residences. During the 1970s local lawyers adapted many of these houses for offices. As the first commercial building on its block (replacing a residential structure), the Austin Daily Tribune Building is representative of the continuing encroachment of Austin's downtown commercial center into neighboring residential areas.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
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.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.
Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.
During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.
Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.
Travis County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Travis County, Texas.
- Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.
1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.
1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.
1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.
1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."
1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.
1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.
1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.
1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.
1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.
2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.