Rialto Building
Also known as: Medical Arts Building
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Why it's listed
Rialto Building at 317 State Line Avenue in Texarkana, Texas, is a three-story commercial block whose plan follows a wedge-shaped lot near the Texas-Arkansas border. Built around 1901-1902 for lumber and railroad businessman George W. Fouke, it was first meant as office space but soon served as apartments. In 1924 it was sold to four physicians and later became known as the Medical Arts Building, a role it still fills. The brick structure received a stucco finish in 1934, and its original windows were replaced in 1946. Even so, details such as Ionic columns at the main entrance, a rusticated arch, string courses, and a dentiled cornice survive. The architect and contractor are not known. It was listed as one of the oldest remaining commercial buildings in the city and one of a few from its era that keep much of their original character.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it a good example of an early twentieth century vernacular commercial building, noteworthy for its uncommon wedge-shaped plan. It is one of the oldest surviving commercial buildings in Texarkana and is tied to businessman George W. Fouke. It retains much of its early character despite later alterations.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 82004493, listed June 17, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 317 State Line Ave., Texarkana |
|---|---|
| County | Bowie County |
| Listed | June 17, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82004493 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- |
| Architect / builder | Unknown |
| Architectural style | Early twentieth century vernacular commercial building with minor Classical Revival influence |
| Areas of significance | Science, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still in use as medical offices and in good condition; the form notes the second floor is vacant. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 33.42334, -94.05411 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 82004493.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q107321573
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.