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 Fire Station and City Hall - San Marcos, TX Posted by:  vhasler
N 29° 53.031 W 097° 56.491
14R E 602209 N 3306385
Former fire station was built in 1915 (ironically after the prior one burned) in an architectural style combining Renaissance Revival, Prairie, and Spanish influence. It now houses the Texas State University Sound Recording Technology program.
Waymark Code: WMK6J0
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 02/20/2014
Views: 7
From the NRHP application, we learn: Prolific Austin architect Roy L. Thomas designed the Fire Station and City Hall building in a vaguely Renaissance Revival manner. The structure is a simple two- story rectangle with buff brick walls, a low-pitched, hipped roof of red barrel tile, and a pedimented entrance.
The San Marcos Fire Department has been held in high esteem since its beginnings in 1881, and its home from 1915 to 1969 is a fitting monument for the organization. Horse or mule-drawn carts served as water wagons until 1914, when the first motorized truck arrived. Dubbed "Old Faithful," the La France truck was still in use in 1975. Also, in 1914, the old station burned. The following year the new station was built in an attractive combination of motifs. Under the wide eaves and low roof typical of the Prairie Style, classical columns and cartouches decorate the front facade. Red barrel tiles are typical of Spanish derived buildings of the period.
After closing as a firehouse in 1969, the building became a local museum for a few years. It is presently for lease.
Update: The old fire station appears to be well maintained in its classic architectural design. The building is now used by Texas State University to house their Sound Recording Technology Program analog and digital 24-track recorders, a large automated console, CD mastering gear and professional microphones and outboard devices used for student and commercial work. (Link)
Street address:
224 N. Guadalupe Street
San Marcos, TX USA
78666
County / Borough / Parish: Hays County
Year listed: 1983
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1900-1924
Historic function: Government
Current function: Vacant/Not In Use in 1983; now Education
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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