The restoration of the San Jacinto Professional Building is more than an architectural achievement; it’s a celebration of community, history, and the enduring spirit of a town that cherishes its past while boldly stepping into the future.

Nestled in the heart of Cleveland, Texas, on the southwest corner of Crockett Street and San Jacinto Avenue, stands the San Jacinto Professional Building, a beacon of the town’s rich history. The restoration of this iconic structure was the dream of Sherry and Danny Cook, of Cook Construction Company. The newly renovated building marks a significant milestone in the preservation of Cleveland’s heritage.

The Cooks embarked on a mission not just to restore the building, but to keep its historical essence, marrying it gracefully with the advancements of modern architecture and technology.  “The aim was to recreate what was already here and to bring it up to date,” Sherry Cook said, emphasizing the effort to maintain the building’s unique narrative through every nook and corner.

Originally the headquarters of the First National Bank of Cleveland, established in 1912, the building was a testament to the town’s growth and prosperity. It’s a lesser-known fact that Alfred C. Finn, the architect behind the San Jacinto Monument, had a hand in the building’s remodeling and expansion back in 1931, doubling its size and functionality.

Throughout the restoration process, significant elements from the building’s days as a bank were preserved, including the original stone casting of the bank sign, which can now be viewed in the conference room atop the original vault wall. The exterior depository boxes are still at the front of the building, and several of the arched windows were restored, as well as the original terrazzo and wood floors in the building.  Sections of the original building’s granite can be found in the building’s interior columns, along with areas of exposed original brick and tin ceiling tiles.  All these restored elements showcase the building’s rich legacy. The Cooks also worked to preserve the surrounding buildings, which used to be McAdams Dry Goods. The sign for the building is now fully visible to the public.

Over the years, the building has hosted a myriad of businesses–including the First National Bank, Trinity Valley Savings and Loan, Diamond Mine Jewelry Store, First Fundamental Baptist Church, Rags to Riches Resale, Diane’s Flea Market, and Second Chance Resale Store. At one point, the Cleveland School District used the building for school offices.  The Cooks have ensured that traces of these businesses remain, honoring the building’s role as a commercial hub in Cleveland.

The transformation spearheaded by the Cooks is not just about architectural restoration, but about reviving the community spirit. The building’s connection to Alfred C. Finn and its architectural significance were rediscovered by the Cooks during their meticulous research, further deepening their commitment to the project. The discovery of Finn’s blueprints in Houston was a pivotal moment, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the building’s historical importance.

Now known as the San Jacinto Professional Building, this landmark offers office spaces, a central indoor staircase, and an elevator–features that blend historical charm with modern necessity. Sherry Cook’s decision to preserve the building’s original features adds a unique character to each office space, making them far from “cookie-cutter.”

The building’s name, inspired by its location on San Jacinto Street, inadvertently ties it to the broader narrative of Texas history, a detail that the Cooks find serendipitous and fitting.

As the oldest national bank in Liberty County, First National Bank’s original building has witnessed Cleveland’s transformation over more than a century. Today, the San Jacinto Professional Building stands as a testament to the community’s resilience, its dedication to preserving its historical landmarks, and its forward-looking vision.

The Cooks’ approach to restoration, emphasizing historical integrity while providing modern amenities, has made the building a sought-after location for businesses. Tenants of the building now include a diverse array of businesses and professionals, including Donny Haltom, Attorney; Majestic Homes; Contreras Building Group; Tarver Abstract; Air Tech Solutions; Dana Jackson Insurance Agency; Justin Morgan, Attorney; Allen Dumpster Rentals; Slyder Energy Solutions; CRC; Country World Realty; and NelCo.

Sherry and Lori Cook, the mother-daughter team running the San Jacinto Professional Building, have created more than just office spaces; they’ve fostered a community of tenants who contribute to the vibrant life of Cleveland. Their commitment to maintaining the building’s historical essence while ensuring it meets contemporary needs is a fine example of how the past and present can coexist harmoniously.  “All the tenants here are amazing people.  Anytime you walk in this building you will be welcomed by smiling faces,” said Sherry of her tenants.

The Cooks continue to welcome stories and artifacts from the building’s past, adding layers to its ongoing story wall located in the Conference Room. “We are always so happy to hear stories from those who used to frequent the bank or work here,” said Cook. “There is still so much we don’t know about it and want to uncover.”

Image of Staircase with Tenants and Owerns:
From bottom up:

Row 1:
Sherry Cook, Lori Cook
Row 2:
Megan Gaston, Elizabeth Valdez, Dawn Anderson
Row 3:
Stephanie Meadows, Wanda Nelson Tarver, Wendi Thompson
Row 4:
Bryan Neal, Justin K Morgan