Sanger Brothers Complex, Dallas, Texas
historic place
The Sanger Brothers Complex, a historic place in Dallas, Texas, stands in the downtown area. The building, located on Lamar Street between Elm and Main, served as the flagship store for the Sanger Brothers department store chain. The Sanger Brothers opened their first Dallas store in 1872. The complex itself was built in phases between 1884 and 1910. The 1910 portion, designed by Lang & Witchell, is considered a fine example of Sullivanesque commercial architecture in the city. Sanger Brothers was known for progressive retail practices. They offered free home delivery by 1879 and were among Dallas's first customers for telephone and electric lighting. The store also featured the city's first escalator. In 1961, Sanger Brothers merged with A. Harris & Co. to form Sanger-Harris. The department store at this location closed in 1965. The building was then purchased by the Dallas County Community College District and became the main building for El Centro College. A historical marker for the Site of Sanger Brothers Department Store was erected in 1984 by the Texas Historical Commission. The Sanger Brothers Complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This site is significant for its role in Dallas's commercial history and its architectural design.