Eikel-Prewitt Building
Taylor, Williamson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Albert Eikel (b. 1852) had this building constructed in 1893 to house the Eikel Hardware Company. The three-story, brick commercial structure was designed by prominent Williamson County architect Henry Struve. The building was purchased in 1923 by the Ira A. Prewitt Company and remained the home of that business until 1981. Prominent features include its cast iron pilasters and the paired, rounded windows. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1985
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Merchant Albert Eikel raised this three-story brick commercial block in 1893 to house his hardware company, hiring noted Williamson County architect Henry Struve for the design. Its cast-iron pilasters and paired rounded windows marked the confident face of a prospering railroad-era downtown. The Ira A. Prewitt Company bought the building in 1923 and traded here until 1981.
Why it matters
Sturdy commercial blocks like this one gave Gilded Age Texas main streets their permanence and civic pride, and their survival anchors the historic character of small-town downtowns today.
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Related people
- · Albert Eikel
- · Henry Struve
- · Ira A. Prewitt
Themes & tags
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