605 N Commercial - Emporia Downtown Historic District - Emporia, Ks.
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iconions
N 38° 24.321 W 096° 10.822
14S E 746210 N 4254556
This two-story red brick building is located at 605 N Commercial in Emporia, Ks.
Waymark Code: WMMAEA
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 08/21/2014
Views: 2
From the National Register application:
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"Commercial Building Status: Contributing
Address: 605 N COMMERCIAL ST
Date of Construction: 1880 (Estimated); 1905 (Estimated)
Parcel ID: 192-10-0-30-42-007.00-0
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade - Department Store
Current Function: Commerce/Trade - Specialty Store
Architectural Classification: Richardsonian Romanesque/Romanesque Revival
Description:
This brick two-part commercial block occupies a double-width lot. The building is five bays wide. Upper-story fenestration defines the bays. The round-arch window openings each contain paired one-over-one wood windows with painted plywood infill within the arch. Quarry-faced stone hoods over each window enunciate each bay. A non-original, mid-twentieth century, double-entry storefront occupies the first story and includes: an aluminum-framed storefront system with large display windows resting on low, brick bulkheads; two single, full-light entrance doors recessed deeply to the north and south of center; and a large painted wood panel covering the storefront transom opening. Historic character-defining features include: the decorative brickwork on the parapet wall; the projecting terra cotta cornice; the terra cotta panels with column and medallion motifs below the cornice; the engaged brick piers between each bay on the upper façade wall, each with a rounded stone base; the decorative bands of brick work between each pier; and the stone belt course below the upper-story windows that forms a continuous sill.
History:
This building’s current configuration dates to the years between 1905 and 1911, when it housed a dry goods and clothing store. There were two-story buildings on this parcel by 1884, when there were two restaurants here.
Integrity:
Although the upper-façade windows and storefront have been modified and transom covered, the building retains a mostly open storefront and clearly articulated window openings. It is therefore classified as a contributor."