What is the Littlefield Building known for?

The Littlefield Building is recognized as one of the first skyscrapers in Austin. It was originally designed in the Beaux Arts style as a bank building for cattle baron George W. Littlefield.

Where is the Littlefield Building located?

The building is located at 106 E. Sixth St. in Austin, Texas.

When was the Littlefield Building constructed?

The Littlefield Building was constructed in 1912.

What should I check before going?

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

Littlefield Building in Austin

What to know

The Littlefield Building, situated at 106 E. Sixth St. in downtown Austin, stands as a grand monument to the city's early twentieth-century growth and ambition. Constructed in 1912, this historic structure is widely recognized as one of the very first skyscrapers to grace the Austin skyline. Its rise signaled a new era of urban development, transforming the low-rise profile of the Texas capital into a modern city.\n\nThe impressive building was designed in the ornate Beaux Arts style, a popular architectural movement of the era known for its classical symmetry and decorative elements. It was originally commissioned to serve as a bank building for the prominent Texas cattle baron, George W. Littlefield. Littlefield, a highly influential figure in Texas history, wanted a structure that would reflect both his personal success and the financial prosperity of his banking enterprise.\n\nAs you view the exterior, the Beaux Arts influence is clearly visible in the building's classical proportions and detailed craftsmanship. The design reflects the architectural trend of the early 1900s, where financial institutions were housed in grand, temple-like structures to project stability and wealth. The Littlefield Building successfully captured this aesthetic, making it an instant landmark upon its completion.\n\nToday, the building remains a vital piece of Austin's architectural heritage. Standing at the bustling corner of Sixth Street, it offers a fascinating contrast to the modern glass towers that now dominate the surrounding skyline. It serves as a physical reminder of the cattle drivers, bankers, and builders who shaped the early foundations of Austin.

Visitor tips

Look up from the sidewalk at 106 E. Sixth St. to admire the detailed Beaux Arts facade.
Combine your viewing with a walk through the surrounding Congress Avenue Historic District.
Visit during the day to capture the best photographs of the building's historic architectural details.

Nearby context

The Littlefield Building is perfectly positioned within the vibrant Congress Avenue Historic District, a historic neighborhood filled with beautifully preserved nineteenth- and twentieth-century structures. Just a short walk away, you will find the iconic historic hotel, The Driskill, making this intersection a prime spot for exploring Austin's rich architectural past.