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Austin, Texas / History

Austin’s first skyscraper site at Sixth and Congress

Stand at the historic corner of Sixth and Congress, the site of Austin's first store and its very first skyscraper. Built in 1910, this landmark pioneered steel-framed high-rises and revolutionary "manufactured weather" in the West.

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Austin’s first skyscraper site at Sixth and Congress
www.austintexas.org, og_image_www.austintexas.org

What is the significance of Austin’s first skyscraper site at Sixth and Congress?

This site is home to the Scarbrough Building, which was completed in 1910 as Austin's first skyscraper and first steel-framed high-rise. Additionally, the corner is historically significant as the site of the very first store ever built in Austin.

What style of architecture is the Scarbrough Building?

The eight-story Scarbrough Building was designed by architects Sanguinet and Staats in a Chicago-style design. A 1931 renovation later introduced Art Deco elements to the structure.

What business was originally located in the building?

The building was originally home to Scarbrough's (E.M. Scarbrough & Sons), which was Austin’s preeminent department store. Following a 1931 renovation, it became the first retailer west of the Mississippi River to feature air conditioning.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Located at the southwest corner of Congress Avenue and Sixth Street, this historic site holds a dual significance in Austin's commercial history. Long before any towers rose here, this exact corner was home to the very first retail store ever constructed in Austin. Decades later, in 1910, the location transformed to host the city's preeminent department store, E.M. Scarbrough & Sons, simply known to locals as Scarbrough's. To house this flagship retail empire, the eight-story Scarbrough Building was erected. Designed by the prominent architectural firm Sanguinet and Staats, this Chicago-style brick structure earned the distinction of being Austin's first steel-framed high-rise and its very first skyscraper. Its eight floors were a towering achievement for the downtown skyline at the time of its completion. The building also made retail history beyond its impressive height. During a 1931 renovation, the owners introduced striking Art Deco elements to the building's facade. More importantly, this update made Scarbrough's the first retailer west of the Mississippi River to feature air conditioning—then advertised as "manufactured weather"—providing a cool, revolutionary escape from the intense Texas heat. Today, this iconic corner remains a vital anchor of downtown Austin and the Sixth Street Historic District. It stands as a testament to early 20th-century commercial ambition, positioned near other historic landmarks like the 1912 Littlefield Building. Walking past this historic intersection allows you to trace the evolution of Austin from a modest frontier outpost to a pioneering modern metropolis.

Visitor tips

  • Look at the southwest corner of 6th and Congress to view the building's Chicago-style brick exterior.
  • Examine the facade to spot the Art Deco design elements introduced during the 1931 renovation.
  • Note the building's eight-story height, which made it Austin's tallest skyscraper when completed in 1910.

Nearby context

Situated at the bustling intersection of Congress Avenue and Sixth Street, this site sits at the heart of Austin's historic downtown. Just steps away, you will find the vibrant Sixth Street entertainment district and the historic Scarbrough Building itself. The nearby Littlefield Building, built in 1912, also contributes to the rich architectural tapestry of this intersection, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the city's early 20th-century boom.

Sources

Evidence and links