What is the Walter Tips Building?

The Walter Tips Building is a historic building in downtown Austin that was constructed in 1876–77 to serve as the headquarters for the Walter Tips Company, a machinery and ironworks business.

What are the architectural features of the building?

Designed by Austin architect Jasper N. Preston, the building features a Venetian faade, Victorian Italianate styling with Gothic details, an ornate cornice, carvings by local stonemasons, side walls of limestone rubble, and interior cast-iron columns on the ground floor.

Are there any unique historical details inside?

Yes, the building's support girder is made of scrap iron from exploded Confederate shells, and you can see an example of the company's product in the lobby.

What should I check before going?

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

Walter Tips Building in Austin

Q: Where is the building located?

The building is located at 710–712 Congress Avenue in the Downtown Austin neighborhood.

Walter Tips Building

Located on Congress Avenue, the historic Walter Tips Building is an 1876 Victorian Italianate masterpiece designed by Jasper N. Preston. It features a Venetian façade and a support girder made from exploded Confederate shells.

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What to know

The Walter Tips Building is located at 710–712 Congress Avenue in the Downtown Austin neighborhood. Constructed in 1876–77 on the site of Edward's store, this impressive building was designed by the noted Austin architect Jasper N. Preston. It originally served as the headquarters for the Walter Tips Company, a prominent local business specializing in machinery and ironworks. Architecturally, the building is a stunning example of Victorian Italianate styling blended with Gothic details. It features a striking Venetian façade, an ornate cornice, and intricate carvings executed by local stonemasons. The structural design is equally notable, utilizing side walls of limestone rubble and interior cast-iron columns on the ground floor to provide a large, open commercial area. The entire property spans 26,313 square feet across three floors and two mezzanine levels. Historically, the building served as a vital civic and social hub. Its third floor once housed a dedicated room for Masonic Lodge meetings, alongside a 400-seat auditorium utilized by the local library association. The building's namesake, Walter Tips, was a prosperous hardware merchant, a Confederate veteran, and an active civic leader who helped found the Austin National Bank and served in the Texas Senate from 1893 to 1896. Today, the building holds a historic designation by the State of Texas Historic Preservation Office. Visitors can still appreciate its unique historical details, including a support girder made of scrap iron from exploded Confederate shells, and an example of the company's machinery products displayed inside the lobby.

Visitor tips

Peer into the lobby to view a historic machinery product manufactured by the Walter Tips Company.
Step back across Congress Avenue to capture the full scale of the three-story Venetian façade and ornate cornice.
Look closely at the exterior to spot the intricate carvings crafted by local stonemasons.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of the Downtown Austin neighborhood on Congress Avenue, the Walter Tips Building is just steps away from the vibrant entertainment of Sixth Street and the iconic Antone's exterior and marquee, making it a perfect architectural stop on a downtown walking tour.