Legend Jewelers, San Angelo, TX
OWNER: Legend Jewelers; ADDRESS: 18 East Concho Avenue San Angelo Texas 76903; PHONE: 915-653-0112; FAX: 915-655 2616
MARK PRIEST, owner of Legend Jewelers, is proud of his address’s checkered past. The building that now houses a medium-sized independent selling at every price point used to be a less salubrious venue for love … in its original incarnation as a locally infamous cathouse. The store retains plenty of the old character, with high, gold painted ceilings, brass fixtures and fittings, and floor cases which can be moved into different configurations. And Priest has preserved a titillating glimpse of the past in the upper floors as “Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum”.
It was the story behind the building that got Anne Sowden, Karen Karch, and Gwen Carrington’s votes. “The history would draw me in,” says Anne, “and I would stay because of the historical feel and warmth.” “Hooray for historical preservation,” cheers Karen, while Gwen jokes, “Everything is consistent throughout — of course, I am referring to design and not services rendered!”

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Copycat Tips:
- Takes the building’s history — and runs with it
Watch Out For:
- Don’t overdo it or you risk the novelty overpowering the product