The Chicago School in Waco

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Look up at the Praetorian Building and you'll see a piece of architectural history known as the Chicago School style. Completed in 1915 and designed by C.W. Bulger and Company, this seven-story structure was a bold leap forward for the city's skyline.

Its clean lines and modern feel made it one of Waco's most distinctive buildings. But it didn't just offer style; it offered strength. In 1953, a catastrophic tornado ripped through the city, leaving a path of destruction.

While many buildings fell, the Praetorian stood its ground and survived. Today, it's been preserved as a blend of apartments, retail, and office space, serving as a sturdy, elegant reminder of the early twentieth century's urban ambition.

Updated June 2026