HomeMy WebLinkAboutNorthgate History Notes (mid-1990s) NORTHGATE HISTORY
Northgate had its humble beginning as a downtown during the 1930s.
This was a period before the incorporation of the City of College Station (which incorporation
was voted by its citizens on October 19, 1938.
In fact, during the 20's, the United States Post Office and Boyett's, a local business, claimed
the earliest beginning roots of business development.
Also, prior to incorporation of College Station, it could easily be argued that the city
"downtown" existed before the incorporation - a rather unique development.
To support that proposition, in addition to the Post Office, there were numerous businesses
that developed and flourished, some of which continue to flourish to this day.
Those businesses included a pharmacy, cleaners, barber shops, tailors, and restaurants.
Specifically, by name, these businesses included Aggieland Pharmacy, Lipscomb's Pharmacy,
Luke's Campus Grocery, The College Inn, Holick's, and Loupot's.
But it was during the 40's that its crowning glory as a downtown was solidified.
Namely, the main Business District flourished and consisted of cafes, grocery stores,
confectioners, jewelers, a dentist, photographers - and the magnificent structure which should be the
cornerstone of Northgate - The Campus Theater - built at a cost of $65,000.00, it seated 628 people
and had the "most modem movie equipment available."
Even a bank opened in Northgate on May 1, 1946.
Finally, in December 1947, the College Station, residents celebrated the opening of its new
City Hall in downtown College Station.
This property, although leased to a successful restaurant, is still owned by the City.
Finally, to close, to my utter surprise, there are at least 5 homes in Northgate that are nearly
100 years old:
318 First
Owner: Estate of A.P. Boyett, Sr.
Erected: 1911, Sold 1941
Identification by: George H. Boyett, February 1, 1986
Caroline Mitchell, January 16, 1986
Style: Small sized Queen Anne, minor modifications
Previous residents on campus:
RF. Smith, 1922, professor of mathematics
E.P. Humbert, 1924, head, department of genetics
400 Boyett
Owner: Charles E. Harris, Jr., 307 Greenway, Bryan
Erected: 1902, Sold 1954
Identification by: Dr. Bardin Nelson, Sr. retired TAMU sociologist
Style: Medium sized Queen Anne, considerably modified in
recent years
Previous residents on campus:
RP. Marstellar, 1924, former Dean of School of
Veterinary Medicine
402 Boyett
Owner: Charles E. Harris, Jr., 307 Greenway, Bryan
Erected: 1902, Sold 1955
Identification by: Dr. Bardin Nelson, Sr. retired TAMU sociologist
Style: Originally a Medium sized Queen Anne, by badly burned in
the 1960s and so renovated, it is difficult to tell that it was
once a twin to the house at 400 Boyett.
Previous residents on campus: -
Designated both in 1913 and in 1921, as the "surgeon's house"
in the minutes of the Housing Committee
500 College Main
Owner: Donald Eppley, 18210 Spellbrok Drive, Houston
Erected: Date and campus location uncertain; style suggests about 1900
Sold: Date uncertain, probably 1948 -49 according to records in
Tax Assessor- Collector's office.
Identification as a campus by George H. Boyett, whose father purchased the house
and moved it.
Style: Small sized Queen Anne with neo- classical features; apparently
close to original condition, few modifications
recent years
Previous residents on campus: ?
415 Tauber
Owner: Howard C. Nelson, 12410 Cobblestone, Houston
Erected: Perhaps 1910 -15; this dating is from design evidence
Sold: Probably 1953 -54 according to tax records
Identification by: Bardin Nelson
Style: Cottage, considerably remodeled and modified since move
Previous residents on campus: ?
The plan for Northgate needs to be accomplished in conjunction with input from and financial
cooperation with Texas A&M University.
Lexington Photos - Show before /after
This is a project that has historic implications for our community. More importantly,
implementation of a Northgate plan will have a positive impact on economic development, of which
tourism is now a number one resource, according to the Texas Department of Commerce.
The timeliness of this project is also enhanced by the approaching development of the George
Bush Library, which will bring thousands of new tourists to our community. It is time to take our
most visible eyesore, and turn it into the community treasure it can become.
Happy to answer questions