The Albert Beckmann House was built in 1886 and designed by the architect himself. Albert was born in San Antonio but studied architecture in Germany. He lived here with his wife Maria Guenther, another daughter of flour mill founder, Carl Guenther. The land was given to them as a wedding gift. You will find throughout the district that wealthy families built their homes near one another. Because the land was not yet developed, they had the luxury of setting their children up as their neighbors.
The house remained in the Beckman family until 1956, when Adolph and Mary Milby Giles Beckman, daughter of famed local architect Alfred Giles, sold the property to an architectural firm to use as their offices. It is fitting that the children of the two architects most responsible for the architectural aesthetic of the King William Historic District would be married and then sell the property to be used as architectural offices. Another fun fact, Adolph Beckmann served as president of Pioneer Flour Mills.
In more recent years, the residence has served as a bed & breakfast. It is now, once again, a private residence. A little trivia aside: The Beckmann house on the corner of Madison and East Guenther streets was originally located at 529 Madison. but in 1933 the front gate was moved around the corner of the house and the number 222 was posted on the door facing Guenther Street, hence the address change.
