Ennis Commercial Historic District (Boundary Increase)

Downtown Ennis, Texas, is a compact commercial district of about 13 acres, made up of seven city blocks and a strip of railroad property. Its one- to three-story brick buildings form nearly continuous street walls along West Knox, West Ennis, Dallas and Main streets. The street grid was laid out by Houston and Texas Central Railroad engineer Theo Kosse and remains largely intact, oriented to the tracks. After a fire in 1875, the commercial center was rebuilt on the west side of the tracks, mostly in brick. Most buildings date from the early twentieth century and reflect prosperity from the railroad and cotton. Ennis became a rail station in 1871, and the 1891 relocation of the railroad's northern division headquarters spurred major growth. Local designer Hix McCanless is linked to nine buildings, including the Knights of Pythias Building and the Masonic Lodge. Of 82 structures, 53 contribute to the district's historic character. The district is listed for its architecture and its role in the commerce of the town.