Masonic Building
Trail
Type
Date
Address
Names
Uptown Blanco Tavern and Ballroom
Do you have any new information, corrections, photos, or more about this entry? Contact us today to help record Blanco's history.
The imposing two-story Masonic Building was constructed on the west side of the square in 1907 of rough-dressed limestone. The lower floor provided rental space for commercial businesses while the second floor served as a meeting place for Masonic Lodge #216. Access to the second floor was originally by way of a metal stairway on the outside of the building in the alley.
After a fire in 1929 destroyed much of the original structure, it was rebuilt, and although the building had a new owner, Lodge #216 continued to meet on the second floor until 1974. As part of the rebuilding, access to the second floor was moved to the west end and later to the inside. Subsequently, the building housed a business supply company for fourteen years. In the 1990s, Gandalf’s Goldwerkes occupied the lower floor and a wholesale hat business the second.
The second floor has been renovated into the stunning Uptown Blanco Ballroom, accessible through the Uptown Blanco Courtyard behind the buildings on Main Street. Blanco Performing Arts hosts classical music concerts in the ballroom. A tavern is planned for the first floor.
The main facade is decorated with elements reminiscent of the architectural pattern of the courthouse. The building still maintains much of its architectural integrity, with most changes resulting from rebuilding after the fire, not accretionary changes over the years.