de la Pena, Silverio, Drugstore and Post Office
historic place
In Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas, stands the Silverio de la Pena Drugstore and Post Office. This historic building was constructed in 1886. Jose Silverio de la Peña commissioned its construction, with German architect Heinrich Portscheller designing the structure. The two-story, buff-colored brick building features bracketed iron balconies. It initially served as Silverio de la Peña's drugstore, which was the only wholesale and retail drugstore between Laredo and Brownsville at the time. It also housed a customs office and a residence. From 1890 until 1957, this location functioned as the community's post office. The Silverio de la Pena building is a significant architectural landmark in Rio Grande City. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This site matters historically for its architectural design and its long service as a community hub.