National Register Listing

Tucker Apartment House

a.k.a. Tucker-Winfield Apartment House

1105 Nueces St., Austin, TX

The Tucker Apartment House is a rare, exceptionally intact example of the once common four-unit apartment house type that defined modern multi-family housing in downtown Austin from the 1920s through the 1930s.

Built in 1939,the Tucker Apartment House is a rare, exceptionally intact example of the once common four-unit apartment house type that defined modern multi-family housing in downtown Austin from the 1920s through the 1930s. Offering a level of autonomy, affordability, contemporary design, the efficient four-unit apartment “house” appealed to a rising salaried class of young urbanites who flocked to the Texas capital during that period for white-collar jobs as civil servants, legal assistants, sales representatives,and office workers. Scores of apartment houses of this type designed in various Period Revival styles rose in the downtown business district to meet the demand, among them the Tucker Apartment House. The Tucker Apartment House was immediately successful, especially with single career women many of whom worked within easy walking distance to the new Travis County Courthouse or the Texas State Capitol complex. Though the property continued to attract this type of resident into the 1950s, the postwar era marked the end of the downtown four-unit apartment house as a dominant downtown housing option. Land values in the central business district sky-rocketed in the latter half of the 20thcentury and many of the older buildings were replaced by high-rise offices and hotels and multi-level parking garages, especially around the growing State Capitol complex. As a result of extensive redevelopment in the area, the Tucker Apartment House is one of the few remaining four-unit apartment houses in Austin’s downtown core. The building is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C in the area of Architecture as a rare, exceptionally intact example of a locally significant building type that helped define downtown Austin’s built environment in the early 20th century. The building retains its Period Revival design elements and architectural integrity and is an outstanding reflection of the four-unit apartment house type that dominated multi-family development in that period. The building is also nominated under Criterion A in the area of Community Planning and Development for its association with the rise and growth of Austin as the center of state government and higher education. Its style, form, and amenities convey a tangible response to the changing demands of the urban workforce that needed modern, efficient housing options to fit their lifestyle. The period of significance spans between 1939 and 1967 to adhere to the 50 year cut off.
Local significance of the building:
Community Planning And Development; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

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.

community planning and development architecture houses residential buildings
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.
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 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.