Ever wonder about the story behind these old buildings in Houston’s East Downtown? This is the Myers-Spalti Manufacturing Plant Plaque. It marks a spot with a rich industrial history.
The Myers-Spalti Manufacturing Plant played a vital role in Houston’s growth. The city thrived in the 19th century due to its shipping and transportation capabilities. Buffalo Bayou and the five railroads were crucial. The city’s industrial center grew east of Main Street along Buffalo Bayou’s banks.
In 1860, Samuel May Williams sold this property to Dr. D.F. Stuart. Stuart built a warehouse for cotton storage in the 1880s. Later, the Lottman brothers bought the site in 1893. They transformed it into a mattress factory.
The Olive & Myers Manufacturing Company saw an opportunity here. In 1904, the Lottman brothers sold the property to H.F. Spalti. He was the vice-president of Olive & Myers Manufacturing in Dallas. Spalti and W.B. Myers, the company president, founded Myers-Spalti on this very site. J.A. Grieves helped them establish the Houston branch. It was a successful mattress and furniture factory.
The original warehouse was the heart of the operation. It housed the millwork and planning sections. In 1905, Warehouse Number Two was constructed. It took care of shipping, cabinetry, and finishing. Warehouse Number Three held the printing and management offices. By 1907, a rail line connected the plant to nearby tracks. This boosted efficiency. Myers-Spalti expanded, adding a fourth warehouse in 1909. More structures followed in the 1920s.
However, times changed. In the 1950s, Myers-Spalti moved its operations. The buildings have since adapted to new purposes. They have housed hardware sales, electronics manufacturing, and storage facilities. The structures were once part of a city marketplace project. Eventually, they were converted into residential housing.
The architectural styles here tell a story of their own. They showcase Houston’s industrial evolution. You can see brick and heavy timber alongside concrete slab and columns.
This plaque was erected in 2003. It is marker number 12976. It serves as a reminder of the Myers-Spalti Manufacturing Plant’s legacy. The Texas Historical Commission protects this piece of Houston’s past. It reminds us of the city’s industrial roots and entrepreneurial spirit. Take a moment to appreciate this marker. Think about the people and industries that shaped Houston into what it is today.