History of a Landmark

Sorenson-Stair Building Quick Facts:

Mercantile Existed at this Site 1870s-1970
Existing Structure Built in 1895
Stair is pronounced "Star"
Registered Texas Historic Landmark
Oldest Commercial Building in Rockport
Located in Historic Downtown Rockport

This plaque was awarded by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) in recognition of the Sorenson-Stair building as a significant part of Texas history. In 2011 the building was officially dedicated as a registered Texas Historic Landmark.

Once a two-story construct, the building survived a devastating fire and was rebuilt to its existing one-story structure in 1895. The Sorenson-Stair Building is the oldest commercial building in Rockport still in use in its original form. In the 70s Estelle Stair, an original founder of the Rockport Art Association (now Rockport Center for the Arts), housed the group in the Sorenson-Stair building before moving to its current location. Historians agree that the art association could really not exist without the late Estelle Stair. Her legacy remains an essential part of Rockport's story, and her work in the community will be long-remembered.

After extensive renovation by Lisa Baer Frederick (Estelle Stair's niece) the building reopened its doors in May 2011. Lisa looks forward to setting the stage for an active, creative space that gives back to the community that made it such a historic treasure.