National Register Listing

Cambridge Tower

1801 Lavaca St., Austin, TX

The Cambridge Tower is significant because it is a good example of New Formalism, a style of architecture that was popular in the 1960s. It is also significant because it is the only example of New Formalism in Austin.

Cambridge Tower is an excellent representation of a return to urban living in the mid-twentieth century, as well as one of the first examples of New Formalism in the entire City of Austin. The building is significant because it reflects national and local urban renewal efforts in downtown areas. In response to mid-century trends toward sub-urbanization, developer Lindon L. (“Dude”) McCandless’s 1963 purchase of the property for construction of a high-rise apartment building signaled a shift in efforts to increase the residential population of downtown Austin.Subsequent property owner Mayflower Investment Corporation realized McCandless’s efforts, hiring Dallas-based architect Thomas E. Stanley II,building contractor Thomas J. Hayman, and landscape designer George Hunt. The building is an important contribution to the development of Modern architecture in Austin, representing national trends in design, specifically New Formalism. Its landscape features complement the building’s modernism and urban context. While it influenced construction of subsequent New Formalist buildings in the north downtown-Austin area, Cambridge Tower is the only example that features the use of rounded arch forms and brise-soleil characteristics of the architectural style. As a result, Cambridge Tower is significant under Criterion A in the area of Community Planning and Development at the local level, as well as Criterion C in the areas of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the local level. The period of significance spans from 1963 to 1967.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Community Planning And Development; Landscape Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.

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 community planning and development landscape architecture bridges
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.