Facts

Location  |  Cuero TX 

Year Completed  |  2013

Type of Project  |  Historic Restoration; Interior Renovation; New Addition

Services Performed  |  Full Architectural Services

Contractor  |  Weaver & Jacobs Constructors

Photos  |  Alfredo Mora; Fisher Heck

Thoughts

The restoration of the Knights of Pythias building is the centerpiece of Cuero’s downtown revival. Working with local preservationist developer, Fisher Heck assisted with documenting the existing building and preparing a plan for restoring the exterior as well as some of the interior spaces. It was ultimately determined that a new two-story annex had to be added to the building in order to house a new gift shop, offices, catering kitchen and restrooms. These spaces would in turn support a large museum gallery space on the first floor of the original building with community meeting rooms above. The museum's mission since being established in 2000, is ‘to preserve the ranching and western heritage of South Central Texas through interpretative exhibits, research, and educational programs’.

Awards

Preservation Texas  |  2015 Historic Rehabilitation Award

San Antonio Conservation Society  |  2015 Preservation Award

Texas Association of Museums  |  2014 President's Award

The Texas Historical Commission  |  2014 John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums

Texas Downtown Association  |  2013 President's Award

Texas Downtown Association  |  2013 People's Choice Award (Best Renovation)