The Gem

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'll pass it along just as it comes to me. Way down in Cameron County, in the heart of Brownsville, there stands a building that's seen more lives than most folks care to count. They call it The Gem, and that name is not an accident.

Built in 1848 for J.E. Garey and Company, this structure has been a lot of things to a lot of people over the years. A drinking house, for starters.

Then a boutique. And somewhere in between, it became the residence of Brownsville's very first mayor, a man by the name of Robert S. Leman.

Now that is quite a resume for one set of walls. But here's the thing about The Gem that makes it worth pulling over for. The building itself is the story.

Architects and historians call it an excellent local example of mid-nineteenth century commercial architecture influenced by vernacular traditions. What that means to the rest of us is that somebody built this place with real intention and real craft. Look at that facade.

Five bays across. A second floor balcony graced with full-length shutters. First floor french doors that open like the building's got something to say.

And up top, detailed corbelled brickwork that required a steady hand and a patient eye. From a drinking house to the mayor's front door, The Gem has held its ground in Brownsville since 1848, and it still looks like it means business.

What the marker says

Built in 1848 for J.E. Garey and Company, this structure under subsequent ownership has housed a "drinking house", boutique and was the residence of Brownsville's first mayor, Robert S. Leman. The Gem is an excellent local example of mid-19th century commercial architecture influenced by vernacular traditions. Features include a five-bay facade, second floor balcony with full-length shutters, first floor french doors, and detailed corbelled brickwork.