Abilene Commercial Historic District (Boundary Increase)

Downtown Abilene's commercial core is represented by this seven-block district of mostly one- to three-story masonry buildings, with a few taller landmarks of up to ten stories. Most were built between 1890 and 1939 and originally served as stores, offices and hotels. Brick storefronts predominate, with modest classical detailing, some Prairie School influence and Art Deco examples such as the ten-story Wooten building on North Third and a four-story building at 290 Cypress. David S. Castle and Company designed several of the larger buildings, including the 1927 eight-story office building at 275-281 Cypress. The district also includes a section of the Texas and Pacific Railroad tracks, an underpass and a retaining wall. It reflects Abilene's rise as a rail-based trade center and its boom of the 1920s. Twenty-six properties contribute to its character, while fifteen do not, mostly because of recent construction or heavy alteration such as aluminum false fronts. Some of these could be reclassified after sensitive restoration.