urbgal

Was it the old Med Center bank? It was. Northwest Bank purchased Med Center Bank, which was later sold to Well Fargo. The company that "owned" or controlled Northwest Bank sold the bank then but kept the real estate, combined it with the Crowne Plaza, and sold the package (along with and across the street parcel) to Texas Childrens. This was all in the early 2000's.

OK and I guess he had a dynasty in ATX. The business belonged to Antonio Villasana, who came to Austin as a child in 1912 when his family fled the turmoil of the Mexican Revolution. He grew up to found an Austin restaurant dynasty. Villasana began his family’s contribution to Austin’s culinary culture in the 20’s with a small restaurant called Tony’s Café near what is now Austin City Hall. Later, his Tony’s Tortilla became one of Austin’s first tortilla factories. Tony’s daughter, Carmen Vasquez, went on to operate the legendary Tamale House at the corner of Congress Avenue and W. First St.(now Cesar Chavez). Carmen’s son Robert Vasquez carries on the tradition with Tamale House #3 (5003 Airport), while her daughter Diane Vasquez-Valera created Mexico Tipico, which closed in 2000. Most recently, Tony’s great-grandchildren are welcoming Tex-Mex loving Austinites to the new Tamale House East (1707 E. Sixth)in the old Mexico Tipico location. The actual tortilla factory burned some years ago, but even though all that remains of Tony’s is the retail building and the old corn silo, it’s great to see an important piece of Austin’s culinary history getting a new lease on life. Surely there’s some good culinary karma still alive in that spot. According to Rightmer, Silo on Seventh will offer “adventurous burgers” and a full bar with plenty of Texas craft brews on tap and an all-Texas liquor well. Raise a glass to Tony Villasana while you’re there. Here's a pic of Tony in ATX

OK and now that I have this.....I found that it was owned by Tony Villesana. Tony Villasana started Tony's Tortilla Factory, Inc. (the Factory) as a sole proprietorship in 1935. His wife, Emma, and children, Ray, Betty, Gudelia, Henry, Mary Esther, Aurora, and Linda at various times worked in the factory, which produced tortillas and other Mexican foods. Tony died in 1974; sometime later, the family formed a corporation. Emma owned 51 percent of the corporation; it is not clear from the record how the remaining percentage was distributed. By 1985, Emma and each of the children drew a salary from the Factory.

Oh I went and got a picture. Clearly I need memory pills. Heres the floor- Tony's Tortillas. I'm going to save it for sure but now struggling to incorporate it into that name of the small development. 😆

Oh yes, the east side of McKee will have some retail I believe. :) I'm on the west side. I'm trying to build something that will be true to the "warehouse" nature of the area and pay a little homage to what was there previously, which is why I'm looking for details.

Well, it’s not gonna be retail because the guy fronting Nance Street (the corner parcel) was not a seller. :) it was me that bought it. That’s why I’m doing research.

Hi! There is a white 1 story CMU building near the corner of McKee and Nance. The Terrazzo Floor has a poured- in mosaic that says "Texas Studios". I'll try to get a picture.... but does anyone know what this used to be or anything about Texas Studios? EDIT: It says Tony's Tortillas, not Texas Studios

I'm sorry I have zero clue on how to respond to specific posts (would love some advice). New here. 1001 McKinney isnt a candidate because its a well-occupied building. And thank you to whomever posted the renovated pictures. That renovation was a ton of work. And yes the building is for sale but best use is currently office. The most ripe conversion deal downtown is 1010 Lamar which now uses the old Sakowiz building as its garage. Both the building and the garage should be converted, but you have to lease SOME parking or find alternate parking.