O. T. Bassett Tower, Art Deco skyscraper in Downtown El Paso, United States
The O. T. Bassett Tower is a 15-story building in downtown El Paso constructed with tan brick veneer and decorative stone accents along its facades. The structure stands at its Texas Avenue location and displays hallmarks of Moderne design with ornamental details throughout.
The building was completed in 1930 by the architectural firm Trost & Trost and briefly held the title of El Paso's tallest structure. Later that same year it was surpassed by the Hilton Hotel, marking how rapidly the city's skyline was transforming.
The southern entrance features a sculptured bust that likely honors architect Henry Trost. This portrait reflects how European design movements shaped the building's character and the city's architectural identity.
The building sits in downtown El Paso and is easily accessible from Texas Avenue where other attractions are clustered nearby. Currently undergoing renovation into a hotel, access may be limited due to construction, so check ahead before planning an exterior visit.
The tower was designed and built simultaneously with the similarly styled Luhrs Tower in Phoenix by the same architectural firm. This parallel construction demonstrates how Trost & Trost shaped two important skylines at different locations at the very same time.
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