HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Barreda House

Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas

Marker Inscription

This house was designed by architect Ben Clark and built in 1928-1929 for the firm of Barnes and Kenny for the family of Celestino Pardo Barreda (1858-1953). A 2-story buff brick Spanish Colonial Revival style house, it features twisted cast stone columns, iron balcony railings, a Mission parapet, and a sunroom with arched wood casement windows. Barreda, a native of Spain who came to Texas in 1872, owned a mercantile business and became an influential area commercial leader involved in banking and agriculture. The house has remained in the Barreda Family for more than 60 years.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Built in 1928–29 for Celestino Pardo Barreda, a Spanish immigrant who arrived in Texas in 1872, this two-story Spanish Colonial Revival house showcases twisted cast-stone columns, iron balconies, and a Mission parapet by architect Ben Clark. Barreda built a mercantile business into influence across banking and agriculture in the lower Rio Grande Valley. The home stayed in his family for more than six decades.

Why it matters

The Barreda House reflects both the immigrant success stories of the border region and the fashionable Spanish Colonial Revival style that celebrated the area's Hispanic heritage in the early 20th century.

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Related people

  • · Celestino Pardo Barreda
  • · Ben Clark

Themes & tags

Nearby & related markers

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