Foley, W. L., Building
historic place
The W. L. Foley Building in Houston, Harris County, began its history in 1860. John Kennedy, an early Houston merchant, built the oldest part of this structure as an investment property. The building served as a Confederate armory during the Civil War. In 1889, after a fire damaged half the building, Kennedy's son-in-law, W. L. Foley, rebuilt the lost portion. Architect Eugene T. Heiner designed this reconstruction, incorporating a Romanesque revival style. W. L. Foley operated his dry goods business here. He also tutored his nephews, James and Pat Foley, who later founded the Foley Brothers' store in 1900. This store eventually became the Foley's department store chain. The W. L. Foley Building received recognition as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1977. It was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The building is historically significant for its role in early Houston commerce and its association with a notable retail family.