138 W Travis St 

La Grange , TX 78945

Historic name: Old Masonic Building (built 1860)

About This Property

Henry Rhode constructed the Masonic building in 1860 with Florian Meyer serving as contractor. Constructed of limestone blocks covered with stucco, it rises three stories and is crowned with a projecting stone cornice. 

After the death of Rhode in 1862, the La Fayette Lodge No. 34, A.F. & A.M. and the I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 30 purchased the building in 1866. The Masonic Lodge occupied the third floor from July 24, 1866, to May 1939. In 1871, the Lodge sold the property to J. M. Farquahar but continued to occupy the third floor. In 1939, the property was sold to William and August Hermes. 

Among the occupants of the building over the years were attorney Joseph Brown (founder of the J. C. Brown Abstract Company, later known as the Fayette County Abstract Company), the National Farm and Loan Association, the Brenham Production Credit Association, and the Soil Conservation Service. Fayette County Abstract Co. occupied the building from 1940 through 1973. 

The building received the Recorded Texas Historic Landmark designation in 1962 and is currently serving as a lawyer’s office.


Total Building Size (sq ft):
Zoning: District B - Commercial
Current Historic Designations: • Not individually listed on the National Register
• Located in a National Register District (Contributing)
• Located in a Local District (Contributing)
• Not a Local Landmark
• Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
• Eligible for Historic Tax Credits

Nearby Businesses

Property Information
Zoning Uses Allowed General commercial uses, with design review required exterior alterations
Lot Size (acres) 0.1598
Parking Spaces
Electrical Service
Heating Type
Official Total Sq Ft
Total Commercial Units
Total Residential Units
Total Commerical Sq Ft 4,017
Total Residential Sq Ft
Year Built 1860
Last Remodel Date
Last Sale Date March 30th, 2007
Parcel Number 36792
Subdivision
Legal Description MOORE JOHN H (445) LOT FRC 195-203 BLK 23 0.1598 6,962.5 SFT, COMM - OFFICES
Located Within
  • National Register Historic District
  • Main Street District
  • DTTX Search Area

Survey Recommendations

Type
Stylistic Influences
Alterations/Additions
Survey Recommendations
Not Individually Eligible
Priority
Historic Resources Survey
Survey Date
Modification Type