San Marcos Telephone Company
Why it's listed
Built in 1928 at 138 West San Antonio Street, this two-story, flat-roofed office building of stuccoed brick was constructed for the San Marcos Telephone Company in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. Peaked pilasters mark its front corners, and a red barrel-tile pent roof extends about six feet beyond the facade. The arched entrance on the south side sits within a panel, with casement windows above and beside it. The company opened in March 1899 with 61 subscribers under founder R.T. Durrett. After a competing exchange arrived in 1903, Durrett sold to Frank C. Smith, and the local firm absorbed Southwestern Bell's subscribers in 1919. By 1928 business had grown enough to justify a new building, chosen under company president Walter Donalson. The company stayed there until November 1955. The building matters for its architecture and as the former home of one of the largest locally owned telephone companies in Texas. Alterations include modern window mullions, some filled-in openings and a small rear addition.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is significant for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and for its link to communications history. It was the former home of one of the largest locally owned telephone companies in Texas, and research found no comparable independent firm.
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 83004509, listed August 26, 1983. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 138 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos |
|---|---|
| County | Hays County |
| Listed | August 26, 1983 |
| Reference number | 83004509 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899, 1900- (specific date 1928) |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial Revival |
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Communications |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in good condition, altered, on its original site, occupied and used as commercial offices. The telephone company left the building in November 1955. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 29.87328, -97.94224 (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 83004509.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q110002829
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.