Lundberg Bakery (Austin, Texas) facts for kids
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Old Bakery
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The Old Bakery and Emporium
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 Location in Texas
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1006 Congress Avenue Austin, Texas, USA |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1876 |
| Architect | John Didelot |
| Architectural style | Early Commercial |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000214 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 17, 1969 |
The Old Bakery and Emporium is a special historic building in Austin, Texas. It used to be called the Lundberg Bakery. You can find it in downtown Austin, very close to the Texas State Capitol building. This old building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 17, 1969. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
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History of the Old Bakery
A Bakery from the Past
The Old Bakery building was finished in 1876. It's made of limestone with a brick front. Look closely, and you'll see a big cast-iron eagle at the top of its roof. This eagle looks out over Congress Avenue.
The building was first used as a bakery. Its owner was Charles Lundberg, who came from Sweden. He moved to Austin in 1872. The bakery operated until Charles Lundberg passed away in 1895. Back then, bread was not sold wrapped up. People would wait in line with cloth-lined baskets. They would put their fresh bread inside after buying it.
A famous short story writer, William Sydney Porter, often visited the bakery. He would pass by it on his way to and from work. He worked at the General Land Office Building.
Saving a Historic Building
The building continued to be a bakery until 1936. After that, it was used for many different things. The building changed owners often. In 1962, the Austin Heritage Society bought it and fixed it up.
In 1970, the Old Bakery was almost torn down. A new building was planned for the Texas Department of Transportation next door. But during digging, they found something amazing! They uncovered the foundations of an earlier state capitol building. This temporary building was built in 1882.
Because of this discovery, the foundations were turned into a historical plaza. This helped save the Old Bakery from being demolished. The State of Texas bought the Old Bakery. Then, in 1980, they gave the building and its land to the City of Austin.
The Old Bakery Today
Today, the Old Bakery and Emporium is a busy place. It holds the Lundberg-Maerki Historical Collection. This collection shares stories about the building's past.
There is also an art gallery on the third floor. It shows different art exhibits by local artists. The Old Bakery and Emporium also has a shop. This shop sells handmade gifts and art from local craftspeople. It's also a visitor information center. Tourists can find out about fun things to do around Austin here.
Gallery
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East elevation
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East elevation detail
