IOOF Liberty Lodge #49 - Liberty, Missouri - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

The IOOF Liberty Lodge #49 was constructed for the Odd Fellows in Liberty in 1923. It is on the north side of the square, and is one of the few remaining historic structures which retains its integrity on this block. The building is clad with light-colored, glazed brick in a running bond, with vertical bricks provided added detailing. The architect, Charles A. Smith of Kansas City, utilized design elements common to Art Deco and/or Modernistic structures which emphasized the verticality of the building. In the case of the IOOF Liberty Lodge #49, a parapet edge is added to the roofline. This parapet peaks in the center, giving added height to the structure (which, unlike the single storefront commercial buildings on the square, was wider than it was tall). In addition, the windows are taller than other Liberty commercial buildings, as they are one-over-one-over-one, triple-hung sash. Vertical emphasis is also provided with engaged brick piers topped with pointed stone accents.

The first story of the front (south) facade is divided into two storefronts, each having angled, recessed entrances. The doors are in the center of the building, and are glass with aluminum frames. Each entry door is flanked on the side with large glass display windows. As the grade of East Franklin street drops from the east to the west, the brick bulkhead area on the west storefront (16 East Franklin) is noticeably taller than that of the east storefront (18 East Franklin). Enframing the first story are two wide, panelled brick engaged piers, which extend beyond the first level into the second story. These piers are capped with a stone pedimented accent, vaguely reminiscent of a temple.

The second story of the front facade is framed by engaged brick piers as well, which are topped with a simpler pointed stone capital. There are six one-over-one-over-one, triple-hung aluminum sash windows, arranged in two groups of three, separated by a brick panel. Each window has a lintel of vertical joint brick. Immediately above the lintel is a recessed brick panel which contains a circular stone medallion and is framed by slender vertical stone piers.

The cornice area is separated from the second story by a stone belt course. It utilizes vertical joint brick areas separated by small stone panels. The parapet wall peaks over the center bay, and features the interlocking ring symbol of the Odd Fellows, which is carved in the stone. The stone coping on the remainder of the roofline contains small pointed stone accents.