148 N Washington St 

La Grange , TX 78945

Historic name: Hermes Building (built c. 1884 and 1906)

About This Property

The Hermes building holds the distinction of being the only building on the Square that was operated under the same name for more than 100 years. Founded in 1855 and originally located on the northeast corner of the Square in a primitive log building, this drugstore moved to several locations until the present building was completed in 1907. Established by William Hermes, Sr., of Heidelberg, Germany, a graduate of the University of Heidelberg, it offered the community a wide range of services beyond drugs, including subscriptions for newspapers (from New Orleans, New York, and Galveston), school books, sundries, hardware, and groceries. In 1865, Dr. H.A. Eck became Hermes’ partner. The yellow fever epidemic of 1867 killed Hermes’ entire family and blinded Dr. Eck. Hermes left to protest the Civil War returning in 1868. The store remained in the family until 1946, when it was sold to Edgar Anders. 

The records of the Hermes Drug Store survive along with early pharmaceutical equipment at the Fayette Heritage Museum and Archives.

Total Building Size (sq ft): 7,958
Zoning: District B - Commercial
Incentives: Local Incentives Available!
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
• Eligible for Historic Tax Credits

Nearby Businesses

Property Information
Zoning Uses Allowed General commercial uses, with design review required exterior alterations
Lot Size (acres) 0.1865
Parking Spaces
Electrical Service
Heating Type
Official Total Sq Ft 7,958
Total Commercial Units
Total Residential Units
Total Commerical Sq Ft 7,958
Total Residential Sq Ft
Year Built c. 1884 and 1906
Last Remodel Date
Last Sale Date
Parcel Number 88844
Subdivision
Legal Description MOORE JOHN H (445) LOT FRC 177 BLK 23 .1865 8,125 SFT, COMM - RETAIL SHOPS
Located Within
  • National Register Historic District
  • Main Street District
  • DTTX Search Area

Existing Businesses

Texas Ranch Advisors

Business Type
Office and Professional Services
Square Ft.
2,848
Floor
1st
First yr. at location
2017

Julie B

Business Type
Retail
Square Ft.
1,250
Floor
1
First yr. at location
2020

Business Type
Underutilized/Storage
Square Ft.
Floor
2
First yr. at location

Survey Recommendations

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