The Houston Cotton Exchange Building is a historic landmark that has been a cornerstone of trade in the city for over a century. Built in 1923, it was the hub of the cotton industry, where merchants would gather to buy and sell cotton.
Its prime location in downtown Houston made it easily accessible by train, which was a major factor in its success. The building's impressive architecture, featuring a mix of Art Deco and Neoclassical styles, was also a draw for visitors.
The building was designed to accommodate the growing needs of the cotton industry, with large warehouses and offices for merchants. Its size and layout allowed for efficient trade operations, making it a key player in the city's economy.
The Houston Cotton Exchange Building played a significant role in shaping the city's economy, and its legacy continues to be felt today.
History of the Building
The Cotton Exchange Building has a rich history that spans over a century. Built in 1884, it was originally a three-story building designed by local architect Eugene Heiner.
The building was located on Travis Street at the corner of Franklin in Houston, a prime spot for the Houston Cotton Exchange and Board of Trade. In 1907, the building was remodeled and a fourth floor was added.
The Houston Cotton Exchange continued to use the building until 1924, when it moved to a new location. John Hannah and Jesse Edmundson, III purchased the building in 1973.
They restored the building to its former glory and were recognized for their efforts in 1979 with a Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston.
The Cotton Exchange
The Cotton Exchange was a hub of commercial activity in Houston, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a force in promoting the city's commercial welfare and bequeathed a lasting legacy in the form of its first building.
The Cotton Exchange Building, designed by Eugene T. Heiner in the Victorian Renaissance Revival style, was completed in 1885. It housed the exchange rooms and galleries on its second and third floors.
The building was a center for business and civic events, featuring a plush saloon in its basement and the exclusive Houston Club on its first floor. The exchange moved to a new, larger building at Prairie and Caroline streets in 1924, but the original structure was restored in 1973.
The Board of Trade Legacy
The Houston Cotton Exchange and Board of Trade left a lasting legacy in Houston, promoting the city's commercial welfare for over a century.
Established in 1867, the organization was a driving force in Houston's development, taking a position of leadership in the city's growth.
In 1874, the exchange was renamed in its first charter, and a new charter in 1877 changed its name to the Houston Cotton Exchange and Board of Trade.
The exchange's first building, a three-story headquarters at Travis and Franklin streets, was completed in 1885 and showcased Victorian Renaissance Revival architecture.
The building was a center for business and civic events, and it underwent a massive restoration in 1973 that received national recognition.
The exchange was one of the first in Houston to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it was designated a Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.
The cornerstone from the original building was moved to the lobby of the newer building in 1924, serving as a reminder of the exchange's rich history.
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Cotton Exchange
The Cotton Exchange was a hub of commercial activity in Houston, particularly for cotton trading. It was completed in 1885 in the Victorian Renaissance Revival style by architect Eugene Heiner.
The building was a busy commercial center, with the basement housing a plush saloon and the first floor featuring the exclusive Houston Club. The second and third floors were dedicated to the exchange rooms and galleries.
The Cotton Exchange underwent significant changes, including the removal of its ornate top in 1907, the addition of another floor, and a new entrance with a metal and glass marquee.
Here are the key features of the Cotton Exchange Building:
The Cotton Exchange was eventually left vacant in 1924, but was restored in 1973 and remains an important part of Houston's history.
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