Colored Teachers State Association of Texas Building

Introduction

The Colored Teachers State Association of Texas (CTSAT) Building, now known as the John S. and Drucie R. Chase Building, stands as a dynamic symbol of African American educational advocacy, civil rights history, and architectural achievement in East Austin. Designed in 1952 by John S. Chase—the first Black licensed architect in Texas—the building is both a testament to mid-century modern design and a monument to the resilience and leadership of Black educators during segregation (Guide to Austin Architecture; Texas State Historical Association).

This in-depth guide offers an overview of the building’s historical and cultural significance, practical information for visitors including hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions, as well as insights into preservation efforts and community engagement. Whether you are a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or cultural traveler, a visit to this Austin historical site provides a meaningful connection to Texas’s African American heritage.

History and Purpose of the Colored Teachers State Association of Texas (CTSAT)

Founded in 1884, the CTSAT emerged as a vital professional organization advocating for Black educators’ rights in a segregated Texas. The association fought for equitable pay, better school facilities, and opportunities for professional growth, significantly influencing the educational landscape for African Americans (Young, 1949; Texas State Historical Association). The headquarters, constructed in 1952, became a hub for organizing, strategizing, and supporting Black teachers statewide.

The association was instrumental in civil rights efforts, including support for Heman Sweatt’s landmark legal challenge that desegregated the University of Texas School of Law (CPCRS). The CTSAT dissolved after merging with the Texas State Teachers Association in the late 1960s, following advances in school integration.

Architectural Significance and John S. Chase

John S. Chase, a pioneering figure in American architecture, designed the CTSAT Building as his first independent commission after becoming Texas’s first Black licensed architect and the first Black graduate of UT’s School of Architecture (JBHE). The building’s mid-century modern features include:

• Flat, asymmetrical roof for a streamlined appearance
• Corrugated metal siding and concrete masonry
• Distinctive entry door with porthole windows
• Horizontal metal casement windows providing abundant light and clean lines

Chase’s design not only reflected architectural innovation but also symbolized a forward-looking vision for Black professionals in the segregated South (Guide to Austin Architecture).

The Building’s Community Role

Beyond its administrative function, the CTSAT Building served as a gathering place for meetings, workshops, and social events, fostering solidarity among Black educators and community leaders. After the association’s merger, the building became the House of Elegance beauty salon, a cherished Black-owned business, and later transitioned to serve as a university engagement center, continuing its tradition as a site of empowerment and service (Austin African American Landmarks; Prairie View A&M University Digital Commons).

Adaptive Reuse and Preservation

Early Preservation and Landmark Status

In response to Austin’s rapid development and concerns about cultural displacement, local historians and activists advocated for the building’s preservation. Their efforts led to the CTSAT Building’s designation as a City of Austin Historic Landmark and later inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (City of Austin Historic Preservation; National Park Service NRHP Database). Restoration initiatives, funded through public and private efforts, focused on maintaining original architectural elements and updating the building to meet accessibility standards.

Restoration and University Stewardship

The University of Texas at Austin acquired and renovated the building in 2018, rededicating it as the John S. and Drucie R. Chase Building. Renovations led by Austin’s first Black woman licensed architect, Donna Carter, preserved its mid-century style while modernizing facilities for community programming (UT Community Engagement Center).

Visitor Information

Location and Accessibility

• Address: 1191 Navasota St., Austin, TX 78702
• The building is located in East Austin, a neighborhood rich in African American history and culture. The area is accessible by public transit, with street parking available (observe local signage).
• Sidewalks and building approaches are wheelchair accessible; accessible restrooms are provided when the building is open.

Visiting Hours

• The building’s exterior can be viewed at any time during daylight hours.
• Interior access and programming vary; check the UT Community Engagement Center website for the latest opening hours and event schedules.
• Special hours may apply during university holidays or community events.

Tickets and Entry

• Exterior viewing: Free, no ticket required.
• Interior access: Free admission when open; some events or guided tours may require advance booking or tickets (usually free or nominally priced).

Guided Tours and Events

• Guided tours are occasionally available by appointment, especially during Black History Month, Juneteenth, or special exhibitions. Contact the UT Community Engagement Center for details.
• Community events, lectures, and exhibits highlight the building’s ongoing legacy.

Nearby Attractions

• George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center: Interactive exhibits on Black history and culture (Austin African American Landmarks).
• Oakwood Cemetery: Historic cemetery with guided tours.
• Victory Grill: Legendary blues venue.
• Texas State Cemetery: Final resting place of notable Texans.

Ongoing Legacy and Community Engagement

The CTSAT Building remains a model for preservation and community engagement. Stewardship by a board of trustees—including descendants of the original association, retired educators, and local advocates—ensures the building’s continued relevance. Preservation is supported through grants, fundraising events, and digital initiatives such as virtual tours and online archives (Prairie View A&M University Digital Commons).

Community input shapes programming, and partnerships with local schools and universities keep the building’s educational mission alive. Annual events and rotating exhibits foster ongoing dialogue about civil rights, educational equity, and the legacy of Black educators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Exterior viewing is available during daylight hours. Interior hours vary; check the UT Community Engagement Center for updates.

Q: Is there an admission fee or are tickets required?
A: Exterior viewing is free. Admission to interior spaces and events is typically free, but guided tours may require advance reservations.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, sidewalks and building entries are ADA compliant; accessible restrooms are available when the building is open.

Q: Are guided tours offered?
A: Guided tours are available by appointment or during special events—see the UT Community Engagement Center.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Exterior photography is encouraged. Interior photography may require permission during events.

Q: What other historical sites are nearby?
A: The George Washington Carver Museum, Oakwood Cemetery, Victory Grill, and Texas State Cemetery are all within walking distance.

Plan Your Visit

The CTSAT Building offers a powerful experience for those seeking to understand Austin’s African American history and the evolution of educational equity in Texas. Combine your visit with other East Austin landmarks for a comprehensive cultural heritage tour. For the most up-to-date information on access, tours, and events, visit the UT Community Engagement Center or download the Audiala app for guided tours and real-time updates.