Built To Last--The ALICO Building
by VeronicaG
As we were driving through the downtown area in our attempt to find a particular restaurant, we saw the ALICO building stretching towards the sky. Once we arrived home, I looked further into its history.
The Amicable life Insurance Company (established in 1910) wanted a building that would 'represent strength and stability' and be appealing to the public, so the business purchased a three story bank building in the heart of Waco and erected a 22 floor structure in its place.
After completion (1919), it was known as the tallest building west of the Mississippi and South of the Mason-Dixon line, remaining such until 1929. All the newest technology was applied to its design, such as an advanced elevator system and improved construction methods due to strides made in the steel industry.
It was necessary that the foundation be 45 feet in depth, so the huge amount of dirt needed to be removed by 'man, mule and wagon' required thirty teams. It appears this spectacle was much appreciated by the townspeople.
A devastating tornado that struck Waco in May of 1953 did not harm this 'tower of strength' although it killed 114 people and wreaked havoc on the town. A testament to its durability!
*The ALICO building sits at 5th & Austin. Architects were Sanguinet & Staats of Fort Worth and Roy E. Lane of Waco.
Fort Fisher Park
by ATXtraveler
On the ground that used to be called Fort Fisher, the City of Waco has designated the area a city park now. It is also the area that contains the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum as well as the Waco Vistors Center and the First St. Cemetery.
This is a nice area to park your car, and take a stroll around the complex. You can also walk to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame from the other end of the park.
Picnic Facilities are also available. Established in 1970 as a city park.
St. Francis on the Brazos
by keeweechic
St. Francis on the Brazos Catholic Church – was completed in 1931 and is a reproduction of the Mission San Jose in San Antonio. The Clifton house next door is a Greek Revival style mansion built in 1868 which now serves a the monastery for the priests of St. Francis
kcorwin's new Waco Page
by kcorwin
A growing pop. of about 250,000. Home to Baylor University, the "Fighting Baylor Bears", Big 12 tennis & baseball champions-2000. Home to Cameron Park Zoo, an award winning natural habitat zoo with state of the art herpetarium. Home to Texas Ranger Museum (the law enforcement rangers, not the baseball team), the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Armstrong-Browning Library housing the largest collection of Elizabeth Barrett & Robert Browning memorabilia in the world, several historical house museums and The Art Center, displaying art by locally and nationally known artists. Other cultural choices are The Waco Symphony, the Lyric Opera of Waco, the Waco Hippodrome Theatre, a restored historical theatre offering an annual subscription season of six Broadway shows presented by nationally touring production companies, as well as the Waco Civic Theatre, Baylor Theatre & McLennan Community College productions.
Sign in with Facebook
Baylor University
The Landing
ACUARIUM
Waco's Vietnam Veterans Memorial
