Caleb Lara

📍 The Cortez Building: A Timeless El Paso Landmark

Standing proudly over San Jacinto Plaza, the Cortez Building is a testament to El Paso’s architectural and cultural legacy., and the Site to El paso's first Photography Studio.

🕰️ Built in 1926, it was originally the Hotel Orndorff, commissioned by pioneering businesswoman Alzina Orndorff DeGroff. Designed by the renowned firm Trost & Trost, the building showcases the Spanish Colonial Revival style, featuring ornate cast stone details and busts of conquistadors. ​

🏨 Name Evolution:

1926: Hotel Orndorff

1927: Hotel Hussmann

1935: Hotel Cortez

1984: Converted to the Cortez Building (office space) ​

🇺🇸 Presidential Visit: In June 1963, President John F. Kennedy stayed here during his visit to El Paso. ​

Every moment is an opportunity to grow, thrive, and inspire. 🕒 Lose track of time and have a mini adventure, journeying through the spaces that define our community.

What inspires you to move forward? Share your thoughts! 🌿

The White House Building - It was built in 1912, and designed in the Chicago School style by architect Henry C. Trost of Trost & Trost. The store itself was co-founded in 1900 by Felix Brunschwig and three of his nephews: Myrtil, Gaston and Arthur Clobentz. In 1904, it was incorporated as Felix Brunchswig & Co.