U.S. Weather Bureau Building
Also known as: Old Weather Bureau
Why it's listed
Completed in 1909 at a cost of $15,176, this two-story red brick building at 1482 N. 1st Street in Abilene served as the city's permanent weather office and as a residence for the weather director's family. Measuring 42 by 32 feet, it has a high exposed basement, a symmetrical south facade, a classical porch with Doric and Ionic columns, a flat roof and a wooden observation tower. Inside, original mantels, moldings and leaded glass survive. It was one of twenty weather bureau buildings the federal government built between 1909 and 1914, and one of only four that remain. The W. H. Green family moved in during January 1910, and weather staff lived there until 1946. Later the building held storage for government agencies, then a business college until 1975, and then offices. Added air conditioning, wiring, plumbing and lowered ceilings have not seriously harmed its character. It is also one of the last reminders of a once-residential neighborhood west of downtown.
Significance in brief: The nomination presents it as one of the oldest buildings in Abilene and one of four surviving examples of twenty weather bureau buildings the federal government built between 1909 and 1914. It combines finely crafted classical details with a local interpretation of Neo-Georgian style. It also reflects the early days of weather reporting as a science and Abilene's shift from range country to a profitable agricultural area.
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 82004524, listed July 8, 1982. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 1482 N. 1st St., Abilene |
|---|---|
| County | Taylor County |
| Listed | July 8, 1982 |
| Reference number | 82004524 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- (specific date 1909) |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival / Georgian Revival (Neo-Georgian) |
| Areas of significance | Science, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition and occupied, with some alterations; used as office space, and the owner planned renovation for offices. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 32.45908, -99.73900 (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 82004524.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q107320205
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.