Constructed 1881.
At the turn of the century, Las Cruces was not unlike any other thriving small town. The railroad, which was completed in 1881, created a stir in what would become the downtown area of the City of the Crosses, bringing with it people, jobs and architecture.
It was a promising time in the history of the Mesilla Valley. Thanks to the railroad, building materials became readily available to build homes, and a new trend began to emerge near the train depot, instead of the common adobe homes found along Mesquite street, the area near the train depot began to boast hip-roofed homes and long lush lawns. Soon after, a talented young architect would arrive to put his mark on the town.
Henry Trost, who had just moved to El Paso with his brother Gustavus, brought with him an impressive education and wealth of ideas. Trained in Chicago, Henry Trost went to work on the design of notable downtown El Paso landmarks. With their stamp planted firmly along the border, Trost & Trost began to spread their work further north, designing homes in the budding Alameda area, namely along Las Cruces St. (then known as Depot Avenue), which was the first paved road in the town. Their styles were mainly art deco, mission revival and pueblo revival. One of the most recognizable homes still standing today is the Porter house on Picacho Ave., built for Las Cruces mayor Robert Porter (who served from 1914 to 1916) by Gustavus Trost.
Today the Alameda District is still a hub of the city’s most well known housing design and style. A designated historical district, the Alameda area is still firmly anchored by the train depot, spreading north of Amador Ave., south of Picacho and points all along Alameda Blvd. In recent years, it has grown to include outlying areas such as parts south of Three Crosses Ave. and Hess Terrace.
Alameda Blvd., Main St., Parker Rd., Amador Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88005
