MONOGRAPHS OF KINNEY COUNTY’S ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE: Triplex Officer's Quarters

This bi-weekly feature examines the enduring unique architecture to be found here in Kinney County by spotlighting individual buildings and providing brief histories, complimented by period photographs. Our intent is to explore the past, inspire the present, and build the future by showcasing the remarkable associations and legacies of structures which have stood the test of time and continue to contribute so much to the exceptional heritage of Kinney County. Our next subject is the “Triplex Officers’ Quarters” a compatible structure to the Fort Clark Historic District and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Triplex Officers’ Quarters intended to be occupied by Medical officers were built across from the Station Hospital in late 1942. Although it is one building the structure is divided into three sets of quarters. It was assigned post buildings No. T-256, T-257 and T-258. Why it was placed in the “T” category remains a mystery, as it is far from temporary. This building is the last permanent officers’ quarters built by the army on the post.

Each set had a screened porch, living room, dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom, fireplace with electric blowers and a telephone nook—very stylish and up-to-date for the 1940s. The Guest Ranch renamed the building the Ranger Apartments, which became very popular rental units at forty-eight dollars per day for four persons.

This well-built stone building had a very short enlistment of only two years of Army service. For a generation after the Army sold the grounds these three “apartments” were extremely popular during the Guest Ranch era as they were the most modern facilities available on the grounds. Subsequent private owners remain in denial of the documented historic military origins of the building, its singular legacy from the Guest Ranch period, and its indisputable merits as a potential Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. At 83 years of age, in pristine condition, possessing unique design, purpose and character the Triplex Officers’ Quarters is another Fort Clark National Register Historic District property awaiting official recognition.


Monographs of Kinney County’s Architectural Heritage is written by Bill Haenn, FCHC Senior Historian. Fort Clark Heritage Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, established in 2023, to advocate for the preservation and protection of the architecture and other historic resources in the Fort Clark National Register Historic District for the benefit  of the visiting public and future generations, providing for the advancement and strengthening of heritage tourism initiatives by growing recognition of and visitation to the Fort Clark Historic District and being committed to endorsing and promulgating the rich history of Fort Clark by expanding upon related educational and research efforts. Find this article and more online at  KinneyCountyPost.com