The Martindale Motor Corporation building, originally erected in 1924, stands as a significant representative of early automotive history in a rural, agricultural setting. This two-story structure, the only one of its kind on Main Street, was built around an older building that had long served as the local U.S. Post Office. Upon completion, its ground floor functioned as a service station, selling Ford and Hupmobile cars and offering gasoline. The property changed ownership in 1973 and remained in the same family for the next 40 years. The next owner removed the roof in an initial attempt to renovate the building, but abandoned the work, leaving the building vulnerable and exposed to the elements for several years. In 2017, the city council began the process to condemn the building. The current owners purchased the building in December 2019 with the intent to restore this last remaining deteriorated building in downtown Martindale.
In December 2019, new owners Maury Domengeaux and Steve Schlossareck purchased the building with a vision to restore it. The restoration project, now complete, required extensive structural repairs and a monumental effort to revive this historic landmark. This successful endeavor has not only preserved the building’s rich history but also revitalized downtown Martindale’s architectural heritage.
Domengeaux and Schlossareck also successfully established a National Register Historic District on Martindale’s Main Street, enabling other commercial property owners to qualify for rehabilitation tax incentives. O’Connell Architecture led the restoration project with the support of Gessner Structural Engineering and Wilson & Girgenti MEP Engineering. The comprehensive restoration efforts included measuring and documenting the existing structure, implementing structural stabilization, replacing the missing roof, restoring original doors and windows, conducting major masonry repairs, and rebuilding the second floor. A new exterior staircase at the rear provides secondary egress for the upstairs units.
The transformed space now features a restaurant, bar, and live music venue on the first floor, an outdoor dining area overlooking the San Marcos River, and five well-appointed apartments on the second floor. The project qualifies for both state and federal tax incentives and has revitalized the building, making it a cornerstone of Martindale’s commercial district.
The completion of this project has significantly impacted Martindale’s small downtown area, restoring a piece of history while contributing to the community’s economic and cultural vitality. Architectural enthusiasts and preservation advocates can now appreciate the seamless blend of historical integrity and modern functionality that this project embodies.