Austin Daily Tribune Building
historic place
The Austin Daily Tribune Building, a historic place in Austin, Travis County, Texas, was constructed in 1941. Designed in the Moderne style by architect Shirley Simons, Sr., it originally housed the Austin Daily Tribune newspaper. The newspaper, founded in 1939, published for a short period, closing in December 1942. This twelve-story building features Minnesota Rainbow granite on its base and cream brick masonry with limestone detailing on its upper floors. Notable architectural elements include rounded corners and distinctive porthole windows. An inscription near the main entrance reads, 'The Austin Daily Tribune 'independent, dedicated to the service of a free people.'' The State of Texas purchased the building in 1945. In 1965, it was renamed the Ernest O. Thompson State Office Building, honoring Texas Railroad Commissioner Ernest O. Thompson. The Austin Daily Tribune Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. This building stands as a local example of Moderne commercial architecture.