How Did the ALICO Building Begin?

The story of ALICO begins with the Amicable Life Insurance Company, which was established in Waco in 1910. As the company grew, its leaders wanted a headquarters that reflected the ambition of both the business and the city around it.

The company purchased a three-story building formerly associated with First National Bank and began plans for a much larger structure. Construction on the new skyscraper began in 1910, and the 22-story building was completed in 1911.

Designed by the architectural firm Sanguinet & Staats and architect Roy E. Lane, the building was an impressive addition to Waco’s growing business district. Its steel-frame construction helped give the ALICO the distinctive appearance that continues to define the Downtown skyline today.

When the building opened, the First National Bank occupied some of its lower floors, while the remaining office space was leased to other businesses. The ALICO Building quickly became a center of commercial activity in Downtown Waco.

How Tall Is the ALICO Building?

The ALICO Building is 282 feet tall and has 22 stories, making it one of the most prominent buildings in Waco’s skyline more than a century after its completion.

Its height was especially remarkable when it was completed in 1911. The building represented the rapid growth and optimism of early 20th-century Waco, when new businesses and industries were transforming the area.

Rather than simply being a tall building, the ALICO was designed to make a statement. That was that Waco was growing, and its skyline was growing with it.

Surviving Natural Disaster

One of the most important moments in ALICO’s history happened on May 11, 1953, when a devastating tornado struck Waco.

The tornado tore through the city, causing destruction and taking 114 lives. Buildings were damaged or destroyed, making the storm one of the deadliest tornadoes in United States history.

The ALICO Building, however, remained standing. Its steel-frame construction helped the 22-story structure withstand the storm, sustaining only minor damage in comparison to the rest of the city. The Texas Historical Commission specifically recognizes ALICO for having withstood the 1953 Waco tornado along with only a few other buildings.

ALICO’s survival became an enduring part of the building’s story and a symbol of its remarkable durability.

A Landmark in Downtown Waco

The ALICO Building has remained an important part of Waco’s identity long after the city around it began to change. Businesses, streets and buildings have come and gone, but ALICO has continued to be the anchor of the Downtown skyline.

In 1982, the ALICO Building was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, marking its historical and architectural significance. Today, ALICO remains a working office building and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Downtown Waco. Its iconic red letters have become part of the city’s identity, while the building itself serves as a physical connection between Waco’s past and present.

Discover More Waco Stories

ALICO is only one piece of history that makes Downtown Waco unique. From historic landmarks and businesses to the people and places still shaping the city today, there’s always another story to discover.

Want to explore more? Check out our other blogs!

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