South Texas National Bank, Houston
historic place
The South Texas National Bank, a significant historic place in Houston, Texas, began its operations after being organized on May 10, 1890, and chartered on June 27, 1890. It quickly became a key institution in the city's growing financial district. The bank's impressive building, located at 215 Main Street in Harris County, was completed in 1910 and opened to the public on April 4 of that year. Designed by C.D. Hill & Co. of Dallas, the structure was noted for its Neo-Classical style and its main spandrel, carved from solid marble, representing a cornucopia. In 1921, side wings were added, designed by Houston architect William Ward Watkins. In 1912, the South Texas National Bank merged with the Commercial National Bank, forming the South Texas Commercial National Bank. The institution's name later reverted to South Texas National Bank in 1949. Recognized for its architectural and economic significance, the South Texas National Bank building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 8, 1978. However, despite this designation, the building was demolished in 1983 to create space for parking. The site reflects a notable period in Houston's early economic and architectural development.