HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Lloyd Gideon Johnson House

San Marcos, Hays County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Local banker Lloyd G. Johnson and his wife Katherine built this house as a residence for their family in 1919-1920. the house, designed by noted architect Atlee B. Ayres, combines informal elements of the Mediterranean style with classical detailing and a formal, symmetrical plan. San Marcos Masonic Lodge No. 342 bought the house in 1937. It served as a Lodge building until 1990, when it was purchased for use again as a private residence. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1982

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Local banker Lloyd G. Johnson and his wife Katherine built this San Marcos home in 1919–1920, hiring noted architect Atlee B. Ayres, who blended informal Mediterranean styling with classical detail and a formal, symmetrical plan. The Masonic Lodge No. 342 bought the house in 1937 and met here until 1990, when it returned to private hands as a family residence once more.

Why it matters

The house reflects the confident prosperity of small-city Texas in the 1920s, and the versatile work of one of the state's most influential architects.

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Related people

  • Β· Lloyd G. Johnson
  • Β· Katherine Johnson
  • Β· Atlee B. Ayres

Themes & tags

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