Houston Cotton Exchange Building, Renaissance Revival commercial building in Downtown Houston, United States.
The Houston Cotton Exchange Building is a four-story structure at 202 Travis Street featuring polychrome terra cotta facades, large arched windows, and ornate cornices. The building displays the craftsmanship of Renaissance Revival architecture throughout its exterior.
The building was constructed in 1884 by architect Eugene T. Heiner and served as the central trading hub for cotton commerce until 1924. A fourth floor was added in 1907, which altered the original design.
The building reflects Houston's growth through the cotton trade, which shaped the city's economic development. It stands as a reminder of how commerce transformed the region.
The building retains its original architectural elements following a complete restoration in 1973. It is easily accessible on foot from downtown Houston and can be viewed from the street.
The building combines two distinct architectural periods, as the fourth floor expansion in 1907 modified the original facade. This transition between eras remains visible today at the junctions between stories.
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