Waco Drug Company
historic place
The Waco Drug Company, a significant historic place in McLennan County, was founded in 1911 by James Marrs Penland. Penland established the company to provide drug distribution to central Texas. In 1925, the Waco Drug Company constructed its four-story headquarters building at the northwest corner of Fifth and Mary streets in Waco. This Classical Revival style building became a prominent feature in the city's retail center. Under Penland's leadership, Waco Drug Company grew to be one of Texas's leading wholesale drug businesses. It operated alongside the Behrens Drug Company, and together, these firms established Waco as a major distribution point for the state's wholesale drug industry. The Waco Drug Company later joined six other Texas firms to form the Southwestern Drug Corporation, becoming one of the largest in the nation. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 24, 2008. Today, the renovated building continues to serve Waco, reflecting its historical prominence in the city's commerce.