Santos Lozano Building
Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in 1915, this commercial structure is the oldest existing brick building in Harlingen. It was designed and constructed by Baltazar Torres of Brownsville for the mercantile business of Santos Lozano. It also served as a community center, providing upstairs space for bilingual school classes and special events. A post office was included on the ground floor. Continuously owned by Lozano descendants, the structure has housed various businesses.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Raised in 1915 as Harlingen's first brick building, this commercial block was built by Brownsville craftsman Baltazar Torres for merchant Santos Lozano. Beyond its ground-floor store and post office, its upstairs rooms hosted bilingual school classes and community gatherings. Kept in the Lozano family for generations, it anchored the young town's civic and commercial life.
Why it matters
The building embodies the Mexican-American entrepreneurship and bilingual community life that shaped the growth of towns across the Rio Grande Valley.
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Related people
- · Santos Lozano
- · Baltazar Torres
Themes & tags
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