HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Bryce Building

Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Leading Fort Worth businessman and civic leader William J. Bryce (1861-1944) built this structure in 1910 to house the offices of his construction company. Bryce erected many of the city's commercial structures and served as Mayor of Fort Worth from 1927 to 1933. The Bryce Building, with its irregulare five-sided plan, is a fine example of the adaption of the Classical Revival style to a commercial structure. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark- 1983.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Fort Worth builder and civic leader William J. Bryce raised this five-sided commercial building in 1910 to house his construction company. Bryce erected many of the city's downtown structures and later served as mayor from 1927 to 1933. Its irregular plan and Classical Revival detailing make it a graceful adaptation of a monumental style to everyday business use.

Why it matters

The building embodies the boom-era confidence of early-twentieth-century Fort Worth, when the men who literally built the city also led it.

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Related people

  • Β· William J. Bryce

Themes & tags

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