Saint Joseph's Catholic Church and Dillard's Department Store
Also known as: Saint Joske's Formerly: Joske Brothers Clothing and Dry Goods Merchants Built: 1871 Designed by: Alfred Giles and Guindon/J.C. Dielmann Renovated: 1900 Renovated: 1938 Renovated: 1968 Type: Multi-Purpose Facility San Antonio, United States
T his is more architectural whimsy than pure architecture. In 1888, Joske Brothers Clothing and Dry Goods Merchants wanted to expand its store near Alamo Plaza. The problem was that Saint Joseph's Catholic Church was in the way. The Church wouldn't sell, and wouldn't move, so Joske Brothers built their store right around the church, as you can see in the photograph. Some locals still call it "Saint Joske's" as a joke. When the store opened, it was promoted as the "biggest store in the biggest state." Later, when Alaska gained statehood, it became the "greatest store in the greatest state." The store is now owned by the Dillard's department store chain. Still, after all these years, the church hasn't budged, and has become an architectural oddity. With the Dillard's garage next door, we can assume there's plenty of parking for Sunday services.
1947: For her wedding night, Queen Elizabeth II purchases a nightgown and robe set from Joske's Department Store for $300.
