The History of 502 Pecan St.

From wool and mohair to community and connection.

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The building that now houses the 2nd Mile Rec Center has deep roots in Blanco’s agricultural legacy. Originally constructed in the late 1930s, this lofty warehouse was known as Wool and Mohair Warehouse #1, built by Charles Crist after a devastating Thanksgiving Day fire in 1939. It was part of a booming industry — the Texas Hill Country had become a national leader in wool and mohair production.

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Crist had already established an earlier warehouse next door in 1930 for storing grain, but with the success of local sheep and goat ranching, the second warehouse was built specifically to handle the growing fiber trade. Buyers from around the region would inspect graded and sorted wool here, making it a key part of Blanco’s economy.

After Crist’s passing, the property changed hands several times. By the late 1960s, due to the rise of predators like coyotes and shifts in the agricultural market, wool and mohair production declined. The warehouse eventually transitioned into other community uses — including as the Blanco Flea Market.

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Today, the building still stands strong at 502 Pecan Street, preserved with much of its original character — from its cedar pilings and corrugated metal roof to its hand-hewn feel. Now under the care of the Franklin Family, this historic structure has been reimagined as a place of recreation, mentorship, and community-building for the youth and residents of Blanco.

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The past gave this building purpose. The future gives it life.