Seeking a spot about halfway along the drive from Houston to San Antonio where you might be able to kick up your heels — and hang your shingle? Look no further than the tin-roofed Swiss Alp Dance Hall on Hwy. 77 between Schulenburg and La Grange. The concert and wedding venue, which was built in the early 1900s but “remains very much as it was back in the 1950s,” was listed for sale earlier this week.
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The site of performances by B.J. Thomas, the Drifters, The Triumphs, and many a polka band was run by the The Titejen family for more than 40 years; Kevin and Donna Ustynik bought the facility in 2005 from the Titejen estate. Included in the $1.13 million asking price: a separate 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with screened-in pool, the Swiss Alp Grill restaurant, a barn, and 25 percent of the mineral rights on the 24-acre property.
- 7024 N. US Hwy. 77 [HAR]
Ah Schulenburg. My dad would insist on stopping at Franks in Schulenburg everytime we went to hunt near Wimberly. The food was so bland, I’d beg him to stop anywhere else, but he’d have none of it. He always ordered the same thing and it always came out looking the exact same way. I guess he liked the consistency and the fact we’d see the same waitress year after year and he could tease her in his charming way. When I drive to San Antonio, I always smile when I roar past, thinking of my dear ole dad and his love for Franks.
Sure hope that whomever purchases the Swiss Alp Dance Hall plans to preserve it’s heritage.
Dana Harper and his wife, Hana Hillerova, were awarded the national preservation award in 2010 for their renovatation nearby Sengelmann Hall (also in Schulenburg) which could provide much inspiration any potential buyers: http://sengelmannhall.com/
Dance halls are endangered for sure. Does anyone recall Mraz Hall on 34th? It tragically burned down, but, rebuilding was never an economically viable option. Shame. Those lovely, huge floors on piers act as a giant amplifiers – no mics required!
Paging SuperDave…
This used to seem far away ….. but the metro area keeps marching closer.
@Rex – LOL – I’m (secretly) all over this…missed you at the festival.
This property is still for sale.
Let’s get a new owner!
http://www.sctxsales.com/-/listing/18247021/6950-N-Us-Highway-77-Schulenburg-TX-78956?content_index=5185472