709 N Commercial - Emporia Downtown Historic District - Emporia, Ks.
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iconions
N 38° 24.399 W 096° 10.819
14S E 746210 N 4254700
This three-story brown brick building is located at 709 N Commercial in Emporia, Ks.
Waymark Code: WMM8HG
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 08/10/2014
Views: 1
From the National Register application:
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"Commercial Building Status: Contributing
Address: 709 N COMMERCIAL ST
Date of Construction: 1925 (Estimated)
Parcel ID: 192-10-0-30-29-006.00-0
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade - Specialty Store
Current Function: Vacant/Not in Use
Architectural Classification: Spanish Eclectic
Description:
This three-story, brick two-part commercial block occupies a double-width lot. The building is three symmetrical bays wide. Large window openings each containing bands of three windows define the bays. The historic storefront occupies the first story and features a recessed entrance at the south end, and display windows resting on brick bulkheads. Non-historic metal siding covers the storefront transom. Historic character-defining features include: the shaped parapet; the orange brick facing; the green glazed terra cotta panels embedded in the upper façade wall; the white terra cotta parapet coping and window surrounds; and the historic single fixed and one-over-one wood windows with transoms.
History:
This block remained minimally developed until the early twentieth century. In 1884, there was a roller skating rink on the north end, the E. F. Sprague Planing Mill and Steam Carpentry Shop on the south end, and a second-hand store in the middle. The roller skating rink was converted to the "Great Western Horse and Mule Market" between 1888 and 1893. It was later converted to a livery stable, a use it maintained until the years between 1911 and 1923. Although the demolition of the planing mill between 1884 and 1888 opened the block up for commercial development, it did not take its current form until the 1920s. This building was constructed between 1923 and 1929. Before then, there were three small one-story buildings on this parcel.
Integrity:
This building has changed little since its original construction; and even retains its original storefront. Therefore, is classified as a contributor to the district."