Brownsville’s Unique Historic Venue For Your Memorable Events.
The Historic Alonso Building offers an ideal destination and venue for any special occasion or event. Lovingly restored with a lush outdoor patio that provides the perfect backdrop for your cherished memories. Having the best of both worlds, Historic Alonso lends itself to combined indoor/outdoor gatherings. When you choose the Alonso, your special occasion is the star! We book the building for only one event at a time so your care and comfort can be our highest priority.
Whether you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime wedding reception, corporate gala, social affair, or any special private event, the Alonso is a gorgeous setting and an ideal location where special memories are made! Open year-round, the Alonso can be transformed into an intimate setting for as little as 30 guests or an over-the-top extravaganza affair for up to 200.
Spanish-born Manuel Alonso (1846-1922) constructed the one-story residence on this site in 1877 and added the two-story mercantile building in 1890. His "Los Dos Canones" mercantile was a popular gathering place for local residents. French and Spanish influences are evident in the cast iron porch elements (probably from New Orleans), French windows, and corbeled brickwork. The complex was used as a fine goods mercantile from 1925 to 1944. In 1996, the Gorgas Science Foundation renovated the dilapidated building and it served as the organization's headquarters until 2010 when the building was purchased by Alexander Stillman and donated to the Brownsville Historical Association.
The architecture of the Alonso building is a prime example of the Creole influences that can be found throughout downtown Brownsville. From the tall ceilings to the lush courtyard, today the Alonso building creates a breath-taking backdrop for receptions, parties and exhibits.
Any four (4) hours between the hours of 5:00pm- 11:00pm: $1,600.00
Weekend Evening
Rentals
Friday - Sunday
Any four (4) hours between the hours of 5:00pm- 11:00pm: $2,500.00
The following conditions apply:
•All rentals require a $500.00 damage deposit, separate from the rental fees, to hold their reservation.
• Damage deposit must be paid at the time the rental agreement is signed.
• An additional $400.00 per hour fee is charged for each additional hour beyond contracted rental time.
• An additional $100.00 per hour fee is charged for set-up outside of normal business hours (10am-4pm). No charge for teardown but all items must be removed from the building the same day.
• Use of sound system, podium and projector system require an additional fee of $200.00.
• For rentals on major holidays, a 25% charge of the total cost of the rental will be applied. These holidays include: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day (4th of July), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Included in the rental fee:
•The use of the main hall and courtyard, including restrooms and prep area for caterers.
• Cleaning and preparation of the building (inside and out) for event.
• The use of tables and chairs.
Please note that linens and decorations are not provided.
(Revised and effective 09/01/2026)
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
CLOSED Sunday & Monday
Some locations by appointment only.
BROWNSVILLE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
1325 E. Washington Street
Brownsville, Texas 78520
1 (956) 541-5560
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