Ragland, John B., Mercantile Company Building
historic place
The John B. Ragland Mercantile Company Building, located in Kingsville, Texas, is a historic commercial structure. John B. Ragland opened an initial store in 1904. After his death in 1908, the John B. Ragland Mercantile Company was formed. The current two-story building was constructed in 1909. Victoria architect Jules Carl Leffland designed the building. Its architectural style is primarily Italianate, with elements of Gothic Revival and Mission Revival. The Raglands quickly became a leading mercantile establishment in Kingsville, selling dry goods, millinery, suits, and shoes. In 1950, the building underwent a major remodeling, which included a new facade and the installation of the first escalator in South Texas. The store closed in 1979. Between 1989 and 1990, the building was restored to its original 1909 appearance. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Today, the building houses the King Ranch Saddle Shop. This building is significant for its architecture and its role as an early commercial venture in Kingsville.