Sweeney, Coombs, and Fredericks Building facts for kids
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Sweeney, Coombs and Fredericks Building
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View facing south
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 Location in Houston Downtown
Location in Texas
Location in the United States
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| Location | 301 Main Street @ Congress Houston, Texas United States |
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| Built | 1889 |
| Architect | George E. Dickey |
| Architectural style | Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002074 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 23, 1978 |
The Sweeney, Coombs, and Fredericks Building is an old and beautiful building in Houston, Texas. It was built in 1889 and looks like a classic Victorian style building. It has a cool 3-story tower on its corner and fancy decorations called Eastlake elements.
This building is special because it's one of the few Victorian buildings still standing in Houston. It's located at 301 Main Street, right on the corner of Main Street and Congress Street in Downtown Houston. In 2009, Houston officially named it a "City Landmark." It's also part of a bigger historic area called the Main Street/Market Square Historic District, which means it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Where It Is
The Sweeney, Coombs and Fredericks Building is in Downtown Houston. It is right next to the historic Pillot Building. The building is part of Houston's Main Street/Market Square Historic District. Market Square, which the historic district is named after, is only one block away.
How It Was Built
Buying the Land
In 1882, two men named John Jasper Sweeney and Edward L. Coombs bought an older building. This building was built in 1861 by William A. Van Alstyne. They planned to replace it with their new building.
Building the Structure
Historians are not completely sure if the old building was fully torn down. Some people think parts of the old building might have been used in the new one. The construction of the Sweeney and Coombs building was finished in 1887.
Building Design
The famous architect George E. Dickey designed this building. Its style shows off the popular look of the Victorian Era. Key design features include a three-story tower on the corner. It also has special Eastlake decorations. The main doors are angled and face the intersection of Main Street and Congress Street.
Updates Over Time
The building had some updates in 1968. These changes helped keep the original brick walls and wooden floors looking good.
Who Owned It
Before 1889, a man named Gus Fredericks joined the Sweeney and Coombs jewelry company. This jewelry company is still in business today.
In 1974, Harris County bought the building. Today, some offices for Harris County are located inside.
