Arnold Bakery, building in Austin, Travis County, Texas
Arnold Bakery is a simple brick building constructed around 1890 in East Austin with tall narrow windows and sturdy walls typical of commercial structures from that era. The small, modest structure on East Eleventh Street now operates as a design studio after serving multiple purposes throughout its long history.
Built in 1890 as a bakery serving daily bread and baked goods to neighborhood residents, the building later experienced decline through much of the 20th century. In 2000 it was restored and subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
The building once served as a gathering place for the African-American community in East Austin, where neighbors met and shared stories beyond just buying bread. Its presence in the neighborhood continues to connect people to the social bonds and local life that shaped this area.
The building is located on East Eleventh Street in East Austin and can be reached on foot from nearby historic sites in the area. The best way to experience it is by walking through the neighborhood where you can view the original brickwork and architectural details from the street.
The building was restored by the city in 2000 and converted into a design studio, demonstrating how older structures can serve new purposes while preserving their historical appearance. This adaptive reuse became part of a broader urban renewal effort that revitalized the neighborhood while maintaining its past.
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