History of the Phoenix Building

Originally the building was owned by the Austin Crawford Manufacturing Co. The company was successful for many years producing bags for cotton picking, conveyer belts, tarps, and awnings.

During both world wars the company produced many of the canvas goods used by the military such as tarps, tents, and truck covers.

Later the building was occupied by a saddle manufacturing company. There was a major fire which caused extensive damage.  After repairs were made, the building then became the home the original "Spirit Shop" which was a pioneer in silk screened T-shirts.

Until April of 2007 the building had been left unused, and in disrepair. Windows were broken, and the upstairs was home to pigeons and other small animals.

In April of 2007 Leslie & David Henry formed a non profit organization named the Waco Outreach Foundation to purchase the entire block between 3rd st and 4th st. on Webster.  The purpose of this was to accomplish the following goals.

  • Completely rebuild the entire block including new parking lot and side walks
  • Rebuild the old Hoffman Banana building to be used for various outreach programs to assist local residents
  • Create a "warehouse style" ballroom in the first floor of the Phoenix building
  • Build a residence in the top floor of the Phoenix
Construction of the new parking lot and demolition of the Hoffman Banana building interior began immediately. The Phoenix building along with a portion of the parking lot was purchased from the Waco Outreach Foundation by Leslie & David Henry individually, and demolition of the Phoenix interior began. 

After many months of demolition and construction, the block began to appear as it does today.  The building began to take on a new look as pictured on the left.

 

The interior was so unsightly in appearance, that to ever have a beautiful ballroom at times seemed impossible.  All surfaces were covered in old water based latex paint.
After months of demolition and blasting surfaces with dry ice, the interior began to show some hope of relinquishing the beauty trapped behind years of neglect, and damage from the fire.
For a complete viewing of before and after pictures, please visit our pictures page!
Physical Address
Mailing Address
401 S. 3rd. St. Waco, TX. 76706
3859 Chappel Hill Rd. Waco, TX. 76705