The Firm
Our Historic Building
The recorded history of 901 Congress begins with Isaac McGary, who received the property through a land patent handwritten by Governor Albert C. Horton on September 1, 1846. In 1859, Isaac McGary sold the property to Francis T. Duffau for $1,000. Apparently, Mr. Duffau bought the property as an investment. He also owned a drugstore located on the corner of Congress and 8th Street.
There is no concrete evidence which proves without a doubt when the building was built; however, 1866 is the earliest known photograph of Congress Avenue and the roof of the building is visible in that early photograph. The first documented evidence of the building’s use is from the 1872-73 city directory which lists the northeast corner of Ash (9th) and Congress as M.M. Long’s Livery Stable. In 1939, when Boswell Turner leased the building and began remodeling it, a sign was uncovered that read “Livery Stable.”
It seems that the building remained a stable until 1875, at which time the Statesman Publishing Company occupied the upper story and rear of the building. The city directory of 1877-78 lists 901 Congress as the Golden Rule Saloon. In 1879, it became the Palace Saloon and Billiard Parlor and remained so for 17 years. In 1900-01, the Oddfellows Hall was on the second floor of the building. Also in 1900, Horace P. Haldeman moved his cigar and tobacco store from 718 Congress to 901 Congress. In 1905, the Spalding Drug Store opened its doors here and operated until 1929, at which time it became Capital Pharmacy.
From 1916-1929, the top floor was occupied by Capital Engraving Company. 901 Congress apparently was vacant from about 1932 until 1939, when Boswell Turner leased the building and began remodeling it for use as a jewelry store. Mr. Turner installed one of the city’s first air-conditioning systems, which kept the store at 74 degrees. In 1946, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Goodfriend moved their ready-to-wear business to 901 Congress and remained there until 1971, after which the building remained vacant until it was purchased by Capitol Mortgage Bankers in 1975.
During the 1950’s the original stone building was covered with plaster. This was the only major alteration done to the exterior of the beautiful, Carpenter Gothic style building. Under the guidance of architect Tom Lassiter, Capitol Mortgage began a restoration project with Nelson Construction Company in 1976. Restoration was completed in 1977. The white plaster of the Goodfriend era was carefully removed by hand and the scrolled brackets and cornices were remade from a template and laminated wood.
