Brown, William, Building - Rockford, Illinois
Posted by: BruceS
N 42° 16.168 W 089° 05.712
16T E 327210 N 4681821
Romanesque Revival style commercial building in Rockford, Illinois.
Waymark Code: WM405J
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 06/15/2008
Views: 56
"The William Brown Building at 226-228 South Main Street in Rockford,
Illinois is ... a locally significant example of Romanesque Revival
architecture. Designed in 1889-91 and completed in 1892 when the
economy began to decline, it was one of the last major commercial buildings
completed in Rockford before the severe depression of 1893 crippled the town for
the remainder of the decade. The William Brown Building is representative
of the Romanesque Revival style that evolved from H.H. Richardson's
incorporation of the historical style into a distinctly American style. It
retains the design and detailing that characterize the style, and became typical
of many prominent commercial buildings of the early 1890's. The William
Brown Building's significant features of style include its rusticated read stone
base surrounding a monumental arched entry, monochromatic smooth red brick
facing the upper stories, grouped windows recessed within arches supported by
pilasters, and rounded turrets. Occupying the prominent corner of South
Main and Chestnut streets, the William Brown Building location was a result of
the increased development on the west side of the river after the construction
of the Chestnut Street Bridge. Designed during a brief flowering of this
style before it was subverted the the 1890's depression, it is one of the last
remaining significant Romanesque Revival buildings in Rockford. With the
recent rehabilitation of its first story storefronts, the building has excellent
integrity, particularly in its exterior detailing and design." -
National Register Nomination Form
Street address: 226-228 S. Main St. Rockford, Illinois
County / Borough / Parish: Winnebago County
Year listed: 2000
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1875-1899
Historic function: Commerce/Trade
Current function: Commerce/Trade, Domestic
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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