HISTORIC EVANSVILLE A Self-guided Tour of Downtown Evansville, Indiana Buildings numbered 58 and 59 have been razed since the first publication of this guide.
Welcome to Evansville!
It is with pleasure that I welcome you to historic Evansville, Indiana. This guidebook will provide information on some of the prime examples of historic architecture in Downtown Evansville. The Riverside Drive Esplanade and downtown's Main Street have recently undergone significant physical improvements in an attempt to revive the city's rich heritage as a "Rivercity." Period street lighting and benches, brick paving, renewed landscaping and diesel trolleys, (reminiscent of those used in the 1890's), have been installed to visually reinforce a turn-of-the century theme by enhancing the historic character of downtown architecture.
We invite both our citizens and visitors to utilize this pamphlet as a guide to explore Evansville's irreplaceable historic resources in the downtown area. 4^c U&*&*
Frank F. McDonald II Cover photo from Artwork of Evansville, Indiana 1901. A birdseye Mayor view from the Old Courthouse looking toward the Ohio River. Introduction
Center city and neighborhood revitalization is the key to the future of our older cities and towns. What is happening today in Evansville is not unique. Reinvestment in once-blighted neighborhoods and the recycling of historic commercial buildings is a world-wide phenomenon. This walking/driving tour guide is an introduction to some of the more interesting examples of historic preservation in downtown Evansville.
Trolley Rides
The Metropolitan Evansville Transit System (METS) operates two reproduction Trolleys in the Downtown area. Each travels down the Main Street Walkway (otherwise closed to vehicular traffic), with one taking a northerly circuit and the other a southerly circuit of the Downtown. By taking a ride on both of the Trolley routes you can view approximately 45 of the 65 historic sites in this guidebook. You can park your car and catch the Trolleys in the parking lot behind the Civic Center Complex or at designated Trolley Stops on the Main Street Walkway.
History
Evansville is a river city. Its plan and architecture reflect the role played by commerce and industry brought first by the Ohio River and later cemented by Midwestern railroads. A small, languid village when incorporated in 1819, Evansville grew slowly, relying on the completion of rail connections in 1860 for its sustained growth. The original town, laid out on a grid angled to meet the widely bending Willard Library river, contained the seat of county government, a state bank, (NR) residences, and several large merchant houses by mid-century. An First Avenue and the Lloyd Expressway independent town—Lamasco—was annexed in 1857. By the turn This 1876-84 Library was designed by the noted Reid Brothers, of the century, Evansville was the state's principal commercial city architects of the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. It is a prime and second in population. example of High Victorian Gothic architecture. A gift to the people of Evansville by Willard Carpenter (1803-83), this privately- Architecture—like history itself—was not just a record of wealth and chartered, free public library remains a strong neighborhood anchor. power, but rather the cumulative expression of all lifestyles, great The Willard has outstanding resources for local and regional and not-so-great. Historic buildings and districts left today comprise geneological and historical research. It has been maintained and the best evidence of our past, the influence of other places in taste restored through the efforts of its Trustees and Friends society and and fashion, the geographic pattern of settlement—all can be traced generous community support. by the careful examination of our physical past.
Municipal Market Notes First Avenue and the Lloyd Expressway (NR)
An important tool in historic preservation is the National Register This Prairie School building was one of the legacies of Evansville's of Historic Places. Listing a building on the National Register pro progressive Mayor Benjamin Bosse (1914-22). Designed by the firm vides eligibility for tax incentives and a measure of protection against of Clifford Shopbell & Company and completed in 1918 on the site any adverse federally funded project. Buildings in this guide with of the former open-air Willard Market Square, the all-weather market the notation "NR" are listed on the National Register. was partially converted to house Fire Station #3 in 1954. It served that purpose until 1980 when a new Fire Station #3 was built. Since The privacy of non-public buildings should be observed. Many of 1980, it has housed the Metropolitan Evansville Transit System the buildings on this tour, however, can be opened to the public. (METS) which will move to a new facility by 1988. Several Arrangements for possible tours of individual buildings may be made developers are interested in adapting the old market building to new by contacting the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau at commercial and recreational uses once METS has vacated the 812-425-5402. property. iiiiTfrnrffl
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Willard Carpenter House Charles Leich & Company 405 Carpenter Street (NR) 420 NW Fifth Street (NR)
In 1848, Vermont-born Carpenter began the construction of his The Charles Leich & Company building is the only remaining com house on the outskirts of town. Visitors flocked to see the Greek ponent of what was originally the Evansville Woolen Mill factory com Revival house when it was completed a year later. Members of the plex. A depressed market in 1911 precipitated the closing of many Carpenter family lived in the house up into the 1930's. During more of the country's mills, and the Evansville mill was one of its casualties. recent times it has served as an American Legion Post, as the home The Leich Company forced to relocate after a fire destroyed its of television station WTVW-Channel 7 (which moved to a very downtown pharmaceutical storerooms, purchased the mill building modern facility next door), and as the corporate offices of Medco, in 1914 and engaged local architect Harry E. Boyle to remodel it Inc., which in 1974 undertook a complete renovation of the old land to accommodate its wholesale operations. In the early 1980's, the mark. In 1985, the property was purchased by Southwestern In company acquired land in a suburban industrial park. Spurred by diana Public Broadcasting to house WNIN-Channel 9 and FM-88, the federal tax credits for the rehabilitation of historic buildings, the the local public broadcasting television and radio stations. company decided to retain its downtown location and hired architect Edmund L. Hafer to prepare plans for the adaptive reuse of the woolen mill building to serve the company's current multi-faceted Pearl Steam Laundry operations. His design included an architecturally compatible two- 428 Market Street (NR) story addition to the rear of the building which can be seen from NW Fourth Street. Built in 1912 by Jacob Rust and Daniel Korb, partners in a domestic laundry business, this plant replaced a succession of three outgrown facilities. Rust and Korb sought to produce a modern, functional Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ design that would be suitable for their "ever increasing business". 415 NW Fifth Street (NR) With the exception of a 1923 office addition and the bricking in of the stable windows for a cold storage area, the basic plan of the A wave of German immigration at mid-century gave Evansville a building remains virtually unchanged. Rust and Korb's design was handful of new congregations. The Zion Kirche was established in indeed more viable than they realized, since the building is still in 1849 with thirty-five members. Only six years later, this handsome use today for its originally intended purpose. The third and fourth Gothic Revival sanctuary was erected. The church is still actively generation of Korbs still operate the business. used by the Zion congregation. I
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Brucken Company Rose and Albion Terraces NW Fourth and Ingle Streets (NR) NW Seventh and Court Streets (NR) Now the home of a restaurant supply company, the buildings in this A movement to reform crowded living conditions for the working complex were constructed as one of the city's breweries. The class swept the country just after the turn of the century. One of Evansville Brewing Association began construction in 1891 of several the leading national figures in tenement reform efforts was Albion buildings in this complex at the corner of Fourth and Ingle Streets. Fellows Bacon of Evansville. These terraced blocks of flats were At one time, Evansville boasted twenty breweries. The Sterling designed by Shopbell & Company in 1910 and captured that reform- Brewery, at the corner of Pennsylvania and Fulton Avenues, is the minded spirit. only surviving brewery in Evansville.
L. Puster & Company YMCA NW Sixth and Ingle Streets (NR) 203 NW Fifth Street (NR) Evansville developed a reputation in the 19th century as a furniture Evansville's second YMCA building was designed by the local ar manufacturing center of large proportions. Louis Puster and three chitectural firm of Shopbell & Company. This Beaux Arts box was associates built this block (originally one-half of a pair) in 1887 to completed in 1913 with a complex program of residential, meeting house their furniture concern. Puster & Company—along with the and recreational uses in mind. The building was vacated by the "Y" majority of the Evansville furniture industry—vanished in the 1930's. in 1981, when a new facility was built behind this building on NW The Puster building is used as a factory for a clothing manufacturer. Sixth Street. ;fi)..o
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Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse Old Vanderburgh County Jail 201 NW Fourth Street (NR) and Sheriff's Residence 208 NW Fourth Street (NR) The county's third courthouse has dominated Evansville's skyline since its completion in 1890. Louisville's Henry Wolters designed this The appearance of prisons was meant to evoke fear and Louisville Beaux Arts monument, and the Conrad Baker Foundation (named architect Henry Wolters is believed to have been successful by all for the first Indiana governor from Evansville) has managed it since accounts. This 1890 landmark was modeled after a castle which may the county government's departure in 1969. Preservation of this land have been familiar to Evansville's German-born citizens. Vacated by mark has depended upon adapting the building to commercial and the County in 1969, upon completion of the Civic Center Complex office use—and upon the generous support of friends. It currently at Seventh and Main Streets, the Old Jail and Sheriff's Residence serves as the home of the Evansville Dance Theatre (a resident ballet sits vacant, awaiting an imaginative reuse. company and school), the Repertory People of Evansville (a theatre group), several art galleries, an antique mall and offices. Visitors can view the restored Courtroom, Wedgwood Hall and the Governor's Parlor on the second floor. The rotunda area on the Lower Level features "Vulcan", a nine foot tall metal sculpture of a blacksmith, which was once perched on the side of a local factory, the Vulcan Plow Works. Fellwock Auto Company An historical marker on the Courthouse lawn near the intersection 214 NW Fourth Street (NR) of Fifth and Vine Streets, relates the history of the site prior to the construction of the Courthouse. Evansville was the southern terminus This Prairie School building, designed by Shopbell & Company in for the Wabash and Erie Canal and the block on which the Court 1922 boasts white enamel bricks and green terra cotta ornamenta house is located was the Terminal Basin for the Canal. Canal boats tion. It was designed for one of Evansville's early automobile dealers, would be unloaded at this site, and their cargo hauled over land to and boasts an automobile elevator that can carry vehicles from the the Ohio River for transshipment. basement to the second floor. This facility was the home of a Buick dealership until the 1960's. Also located on the Courthouse lawn are memorials to the Veterans of World War I (at the intersection of NW Fourth and Vine Streets) and World War II (at the intersection of NW Fourth and Court Streets). • -.'.';
Fellwock Auto Garage 315 Court Street (NR)
Constructed in 1908, the building with a dark glazed brick facade and limestone trimmings was the first constructed in Evansville Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum expressly for the purpose of servicing motor-powered vehicles. The NW Fourth and Court Streets (NR) Fellwocks were seeking a new and modern image for the auto com pany to distinguish themselves from the buggy makers and tinkerers This building was erected in 1916-17 as a tribute to the men of of the community, who also dabbled with the new-fangled motor Vanderburgh County who fought in the Civil and Spanish-American cars. As their business grew, the Fellwocks constructed the building Wars. The neo-classical coliseum was designed by Shopbell & Com around the corner on NW Fourth Street, connecting both at the rear. pany and provided the community with its first modern facility for conventions and other public gatherings. The ceremonial aspect of the building was heightened by placing the structure directly on axis with Fourth Street. The bronze sculptures flanking the entrance, en Liederkranz Maennerchor titled "Spirit of 1861," representing war, and "Spirit of 1916," 302 Market Street representing peace, were created by George H. Honig. Currently managed by the Council of Veterans Organizations of Vanderburgh Male singing societies were an important social and recreational outlet County, the Coliseum still serves as a public gathering place hosting for Evansville's German community. Several halls were built around dances, concerts and most notably - Wednesday Night Wrestling. the turn of the century, including this one in 1911. The architect for this liederkranz building was local designer Frank Schlotter. (Schlot- ter also designed the Germania Maennerchor at 916 N. Fulton Avenue in 1913. Germania still uses its hall and every August opens its doors to the public for its popular Volksfest bierstube.) Old Post Office and Customshouse POST OFFICE NW Second Street between PLACE Sycamore and Vine (NR) Built in 1875-79, this Ruskinian Gothic structure was designed by Architect of the Treasury William Appleton Potter to house the U.S. Post Office, Federal Court, Custom's office and other Federal offices. It was enlarged in 1918 by the very sensitive addition of the rear wings on either side. Vacated by the Federal government in 1969, Old Post Office Place it was deeded to the City for historic monument purposes. The City Bounded by NW Second, Sycamore and Vine Streets spent over $1.3 million to stabilize the condition of the structure un and Riverside Drive. til a feasible reuse could be found. After several unsuccessful develop ment proposals, it was leased to Foster International in 1985, which Old Post Office Place is a multi-use project being developed by Foster is responsible for its recent renovation. The old landmark now houses International Development of Pittsburgh, PA. The focal point of the offices, shops, a restaurant and bar. Ironically, one of its tenants is project is the Old Post Office and Customshouse. Combining with the U.S. Postal Service which operates a Self-Service Postal Center the renovated Post Office is the newly constructed Retail & Office in the old postal lobby. Village, which opened in the late summer of 1986. The Village is a fine example of the compatability of historic and contemporary architecture. The complex was designed by the firm of Edmund L. Hafer, Architect, which also was responsible for the restoration plans Greyhound Bus Terminal for the Old Post Office. A residential development featuring Third and Sycamore Streets (NR) townhouses and condominiums is planned to be built on the block between NW First Street and Riverside Drive, reviving the notion Another of downtown Evansville's fine Art Deco buildings, this ter of the downtown as a residential area. minal was designed by architect William Arrasmith of Louisville in 1938. Its sleek forms and cool detail place it alongside other monuments of the Jazz Age. Of particular interest is the neon "run ning dog" located at the top of the corner tower. Greyhound intends to vacate this terminal sometime in 1986 and its fate as a local land mark is uncertain. Court Building McCurdy-Sears Building Fourth and Vine Streets (NR) NW Fourth and Sycamore Streets (NR)
When completed in 1909 as the Furniture Building, this structure Built in 1920 for a hardware concern, in 1925 this building became afforded up-to-date office and display space for the city's furniture the first Sears, Roebuck & Company full-line retail outlet independ industry. The designers Harris & Shopbell selected the yellow buff ent of a catalog operation. The reinforced concrete, fire-proof struc brick to provide a light appearance less expensively than using strictly ture was designed by W.E. Russ of Indianapolis with Gilbert Karges limestone. The association responsible for the furniture exchange's of Evansville as associate. Since it was vacated by Sears in 1975, construction included future mayor and furniture manufacturer it has served as a mixed use facility. Benjamin Bosse. A series of renovations over the years has kept the building viable as modern office space. Hulman Building Landmark Building NW Fourth and Sycamore Streets (NR) 105 NW Fourth Street (NR) Evansville's first tall building of the modern movement, the Hulman Building (1929) was designed by the Indianapolis firm of McGuire This two story limestone fronted structure was constructed in 1915 and Shook for the Central Union Bank. The bank operated out of for Colonel William H. McCurdy (who also had the adjacent the building for a few years before becoming a statistic of the Great McCurdy-Sears Building constructed five years later). It was designed Depression. The building is noteworthy for its fine Art Deco orna by Shopbell & Company to accommodate commercial tenants on ment and elegant soaring quality. It is worth a trip inside the first the first floor and offices on the second floor, much as it does today. floor to view the original banking room and lobby. For many years In 1944, it became part of the Sears, Roebuck store and was so oc the building has been the headquarters of the Southern Indiana Gas cupied until Sears closed its downtown store in 1975. and Electric Company, which has been carrying out a program of sensitive rehabilitation and restoration in recent years. f"
Daescher Building 12 SE Second Street (NR)
Designed by the Reid Brothers architectural firm (who also designed National City Bank Willard Library) for Christian Daescher in 1886, it served as his place Third and Main Streets (NR) of business and residence for a decade. He operated a confectionery, candy manufactory, fancy cake bakery, ice cream and oyster parlor This institution started business as the Canal Bank in 1850. A name on the first floor and lived on the second floor. The longest occupancy change occurred in 1863 as it became the First National Bank, the of the building was by the Kleiderer Brothers who operated a clothes first bank in Evansville to apply for a national charter, only to be cleaning establishment until about 1970. changed again in 1902 and 1922. In January 1914, the Renaissance Revival palazzo that the bank has preserved was completed after the Bitterman Buildings design of Jennie and Mundie of Chicago. 200 and 202 Main Street (NR)
For nearly eighty years, these two buildings housed one of Evansville's German National Bank most prominent jewelry businesses. In 1885, the Bitterman Brothers Third and Main Streets (NR) established their store in the red brick and tile Italinate building on the corner. They moved next door in 1906 to their new building, The corner tower is gone, and windows have been bricked up, but redesigned by Shopbell & Company and featuring large Chicago this structure remains one of downtown's more interesting 19th cen School windows. tury buildings. Erected on part of the "Public Square" (an 1857 court house once stood across Main Street), the Crescent City Bank began operations on this site in about 1858. The building was modernized Haller T. Chute Building in the early 1880's for the German National Bank. Similarities be 223 Main Street (NR) tween this building and the Willard Library suggest that perhaps the Reid Brothers were the architects. Architect Frank J. Schlotter was probably the designer of the limestone Art Nouveau facade which was added to this 1860's building in about 1910. Its unusual wavy window mullions on the third floor make this building unique. OHIO RIVER Old Horse Fountain Artes Building Main Street near SE Third Street 327 Main Street (NR)
This red granite fountain for horses was presented to the city in 1910 This small building was erected for a prominent jewelry merchant, by the National Human Alliance. Originally located in a triangle where Charles Artes. Shopbell & Company, the architects, used white NW Fourth Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and First Avenue intersect enameled brick and terra cotta for their 1915 design. Notice the opposite the old Municipal Market, it was relocated to Main Street similarities between this building, the Fellwock Auto Company and when the Walkway was constructed in the late 1960's. With the new Bitterman Building, all designed by Shopbell around this time. reconstruction of the Main Street Walkway in 1985-86, the foun tain was set in a new pool and the presentation plaque removed from the side of the fountain, opening up the fourth water spout. Old Citizens Bank Building The plaque has been set in the sidewalk adjacent to the fountain. Fourth and Main Streets (NR)
This skyscraper was built for Citizens National Bank (established 1873) in 1916, after the designs of William Lee Stoddart of New Ridgway Building York, as Evansville's first tall steel frame structure. Citizens Bank 313-315 Main Street (NR) moved to a new building at 19 NW Fourth Street in 1959. This building has served, under different names, as a multi-tenant office The richly decorated facade of this building was the result of an 1895 building since that time. The present owner recently renamed it the modernization, according to building permit records. The round Commerce Building in order to utilize the logo found on the brass arched windows recall the former L & N Railroad Depot, built a few doorknobs on the upper floors which bear the initials of its original years later. owner "Citizens "B"ank. Central Library John H. Roelker House Fifth and Locust Streets (NR) Sixth and Sycamore Streets (NR)
This 1931 Art Deco building was designed by the Cleveland archi When Roelker built this house in about 1858, he was virtually on tectural firm of Walker and Weeks. (The World War Memorial Hall the outskirts of town. The foundry in which he was part owner was in Indianapolis was also their work.) The library replaced an 1879 at the rear of his house. The Wabash and Erie Canal bordered the temperance hall and library on the same site. (Note the com foundry as it made its way to the Terminal Basin on the site of the memorative plaque on the Locust Street side of the building.) Head future Courthouse. Used now for law offices, the Roelker House is quarters of the City-County library system, Central Library is a rare reminder that downtown Evansville once had a residential remarkably well preserved. population.
Journal-News Building O'Donnell Building 7-11 NW Fifth Street (NR) 22 NW Sixth Street (NR)
The central and left-side of this building were constructed in 1910 John O'Donnell, proprietor of the Sanitary Plumbing Company, on plans by Evansville architect F. Manson Gilbert as a state-of-the- moved to this address in 1905. A "specialist" in steam and hot water art newspaper plant. The right side of the building, although it car heating, O'Donnell made substantial improvements to the building ries the same facade treatment, has different windows on the sec in 1911 using the services of architect Harry E. Boyle. The remodel ond floor and the limestone facing is of a slightly different shade. ing entailed adding the second story to be used for apartments and It was built as an annex to the Hughes Department Store, which installing a plate glass storefront. Little or no change has occurred was located around the corner on Main Street. This building served to the front elevation. Still present are the prism glass transom and as the Central Library from 1924 until 1932 and housed Union the George L. Mesker & Co. label on the iron frame. (The Mesker Federal Savings and Loan Association from 1938 until 1966 when Company was an Evansville manufacturer of storefronts at the turn- it moved to its present quarters at Fifth and Main. of-the-century, with nationwide sales.) American Trust and Savings Bank Building Conner's Bookstore Sixth and Main Streets (NR) 611-613 Main Street (NR)
This savings bank was constructed in 1904 and enlarged to its pres Probably downtown Evansville's oldest commercial building, this brick ent size in 1913 by the addition of the top two floors. It was de double building was built in about 1865. For many years it housed signed by Shopbell & Company and not a single classical prece a drug store and a tobacco store. dent went unnoticed in this Beaux Arts interpretation. The building is undergoing a rehabilitation program. Wittmer Building 609 Main Street (NR)
Built in 1892 by boot and shoe manufacturer and retailer Fred J. Victory Theatre/Sonntag Hotel Wittmer, this two story brick building sports a galvanized and cast Sixth and Main Streets (NR) iron treatment on its upper stories. The arcaded plan comprised 4 window bays (now shuttered) separated by slender cast iron columns. The last of Evansville's great movie palaces to remain standing was constructed in the Roaring Twenties. It was not unusual to see hotel- theatre combinations all under one roof. The architect, J.E.O. Montgomery Ward Building Pridemore of Chicago, had the best example (The Auditorium) at 517 Main Street (NR) his doorstep when plans for this Evansville complex were drawn in 1921. The Victory Theatre was operated as part of the Loews chain It was not unusual for national corporations to use stock plans for for many years. It last closed its doors as an independent movie their buildings when Montgomery Ward came to downtown theatre in 1979. It was remodeled and served as a popular disco Evansville in 1933. The firm extensively remodeled another building for several years and currently is a teen night club. The Sonntag on this site, and distinct similarities can be noted between the Hotel, called the Civic Plaza Hotel in recent years, still operated as Evansville store and a branch in Vincennes. After standing vacant a residential hotel until October 1985, when it was vacated after the for several years, it was purchased in 1981 and the first floor and demise of its boiler. Several small retail shops still operate out of mezzanine were remodeled for law offices. Its new owner was the its first floor commercial spaces. first in Evansville to take advantage of the 1981 federal investment tax credit for the rehabilitation of historic structures. McCurdy Hotel Busse Building SE First and Locust Streets (NR) 120 SE First Street (NR)
The completion of the McCurdy in 1917 was an event linked to the For almost a century, this site has been associated with health care dedication of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum in the same pursuits. This building was completed in about 1901 for the Busses, year. Called "convention headquarters in Evansville", the Colonial a husband and wife medical practice. It was occupied by the Visiting Revival-style hotel was designed by St. Louis architect H. Ziegler Nurses Association from c. 1920 until 1980, when VNA moved in Dietz. It closed as a hotel in 1969 and has served since 1970 as a to a new building at SE Sixth and Mulberry Streets. residential center for senior citizens. Its ballroom, the Rose Room, has been restored and has been the scene of Memory Night benefit balls since 1984 in conjunction with the Freedom Festival.
Old Greek Shears Mortuary 120 Walnut Street (NR) Cadick Apartments 118 SE First Street (NR) In 1930, the Robert Smith Mortuary moved into a new building at 120 Walnut. The designer, Fritz Anderson, created one of Evansville's These elegant flats, designed by architect W.E. Russ, went up at the few examples of the Spanish Colonial Revival, a style more popular same time as the McCurdy across the street. in California and Florida at the time. The old mortuary was im aginatively converted to apartments during the late 1970's. Ill
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Fourth Street Market Area SE Fourth Street between Walnut and Locust Streets The width of Fourth Street between Walnut and Locust reflects its use as an open-air market area from 1849 until 1966. Farmers and other vendors would pull their wagons up to this area and sell their produce or other wares from the back. There were once two other market areas downtown—Central Market on Market Street adjacent to the Pearl Steam Laundry and Little Market on the site of the in door Municipal Market.
Auto Hotel Building This 1880's photograph shows the market activity as well as the 111 SE Third Street (NR) Fischer Hotel and Waldschmitt Grocery (buildings on the right), which are also shown in the recent photograph of this block. Now the home of Citizens Realty and Insurance Company, this building was constructed originally as a parking garage. Harry Boyle was the architect in 1929. It now serves as an office building that Waldschmitt Grocery boasts indoor parking. 113 SE Fourth Street
Siegel's Purchased by grocer Henry Waldschmitt in 1864, this building under went substantial improvements in 1874, including its current facade (NR) SE Fourth and Locust Streets with the galvanized iron cornice and window moldings. This building recalls the era when Fourth Street was the location for some of Evansville's most popular stores. The Siegel's building was Albert Fischer Hotel constructed around 1900 and for most of its life has housed clothiers 115 SE Fourth Street and haberdashers. The lively round-arched facade visually anchors the block of Victorian commercial buildings to the southeast. This building dates from 1874 and served as Fischer's Hotel until 1891. Afterward a variety of concerns occupied the premises. Isaac Berman Building 125 SE Fourth Street Schreeder Building 117-119 SE Fourth Street Long the home of F's Steak House, this building was built in 1912 and designed by Frank J. Schlotter. (note the owner's name and year Built in 1895 for entrepreneur C.C. Schreeder, this building has been of construction on the parapet.) From that date to the present, leased to a succession of businesses including clothiers (new and sec restaurants have been the principal occupants of the building. ond hand), furniture retailers, a saloon, and a pawn shop. Owen Block Trinity United Methodist Church SE Second and Chestnut Streets SE Third and Chestnut Streets Constructed by Dr. Abraham Owen in 1882, these townhouses pro Trinity's sanctuary (designed by Henry Mursinna-1866) and educa vided a practical solution to residential living when sites convenient tional building (1926) present one of the best preserved historical to the business district were scarce. The complex, which was built institutions downtown. The congregation and its leadership rightly on one lot, contained four separate residences with common party regard their care of the buildings as a trust. walls. Dr. Owen occupied one unit and rented the other three. The Owen Block is located in the Riverside Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
John Augustus Reitz Home H.G. Newman Plumbing Co. SE First and Chestnut Streets (NR) 211-213 SE Fourth Street (NR)
This is one of Evansville's grandest Victorian houses (and only house Built at the turn-of-the-century, this building housed the H.G. museum). The Reitz Home was built in 1871 for one of the city's Newman Plumbing Company for over seventy years. Its second story most prominent families after the design of architect Henry Mursin- remains virtually unchanged with its round arched windows, parapet na. However, much of what the visitor sees today is the result of and ornamental brickwork making it one of the best surviving successive redecorations around the turn of the century. For many examples of late Victorian commercial architecture in the city. years, this Second Empire gem was the residence of the Bishop of the Evansville Archdiocese. The Home is now operated by the non profit Reitz Home Preservation Society, Inc. Call 812-423-3749 for information concerning tours. KririfH^
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55 St. Mary's Catholic Church Masonic Temple Cherry Street between SE Sixth & SE Third and Chestnut Streets (NR) SE Seventh Streets Designed by Shopbell & Company in 1912, the Masonic Temple Ludwick Reidinger of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, was the architect of bears some resemblance to the YMCA which the firm designed a this German Catholic institution. Constructed in 1867, St. Mary's year later. The matte-faced grey brick (which has since turned to has been the center of downtown parish life for over a century. The beige) was meant to look like stone from a distance. The Shopbell facade was covered with concrete simulated-stone ("Sham-Rock") firm designed a number of Masonic buildings in the region during in about 1910, and the highly decorated interior was rebuilt after this period. The Masonic Temple still serves its original purpose. a 1936 fire.
Buckingham Apartments Liberty Baptist Church SE Third and Cherry Streets (NR) SE Seventh and Oak Streets (NR)
An apartment building boom occurred in 1910-20 near downtown. This Gothic Revival building serves the oldest black congregation This complex designed for Messrs. Hartmetz and Mann by Shopbell in the city. Liberty Baptist was estabished in 1865 on this site, and & Company in 1911 features a brown glazed-brick exterior. a substantial sanctuary was erected in 1882. A cyclone destroyed that building in May 1887; but only seven months later, the present church building had risen. Baptisttown was the name given to the surrounding neighborhood (now substantially leveled) where Evansville's largest black community settled. A housing corporation established by Liberty Baptist sponsored the adjacent Liberty Ter race apartments. This contemporary 54 unit complex, was completed in the early 1980's to house elderly and handicapped persons. •••' M^': •
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Nienaber-Damron Building Parsons-Scoville (PASCO) Building SE Eighth and Cherry Streets (NR) 915-21 Main Street (NR)
This 1884 building is especially noteworthy; since Evansville was once At the turn of the century, rail connections through Evansville were a center for the manufacture of architectural metalwork. The facades increased. The attractiveness of the city as a regional market is seen of whole buildings were made and shipped all over the world from in the construction of this block for wholesale grocers Parsons & the city in the late 19th Century. Visitors should take note of the Scoville. According to reports, 10,000 visitors came to the grand very fine cast iron balcony and galvanized metal second floor of this opening on New Year's Day 1908, "and coffee, sandwiches and cigars building. Thin columns and plate glass on the storefronts often were were served in abundance." The building still serves as a warehouse. used to allow for a maximum amount of natural light to enter the interior.
Walnut Street School Hartmann Bakery Building Walnut and Ninth Streets (NR) Main Street south of the Lloyd Expressway
This school, which was designed by Shopbell and Company, was Built in 1891 by Fred Becker as a confectionary, this building was erected in 1913 at a cost of $17,000. The building is still in use by purchased by Frederick Hartmann in 1912. Hartmann converted the the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation as offices. Wrap building into a bakery and added on the rear addition to house ped around Walnut School to the east and south is the School Cor additional bakery space and a stable. Hartmann, whose family lived poration's new Supportive Services Center. Designed by the firm of on the second floor, operated a bakery at this location until his death Edmund L. Hafer, Architect, the Supportive Services Center is in 1936. The building supports a unique architectural feature—a another fine example of how old and new architecture can work Bartizan" topped by a metal-clad onion dome, situated above the together. corner entrance. This 1988 guide has been published by the City of Evansville, Department of Metropolitan Development, Mariann D. Kolb - Executive Director. It is an update of the guide which was published in 1981 by the Preservation Alliance of Evansville, Inc.
Second Printing -January 1991
Funding for this publication was made available from Community Development Block Grant funds from the City of Evansville. Additional funds were provided by a Department of the Interior grant administered by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation.
The activity that is the subject of this publication has been financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. However the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior.
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the U.S. Department of Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or handicap in its federally-assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program receiving funding from the Department of the Interior, or if you desire further information, contact the Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington DC 20240
Selection and Text: Joan C. Marchand R. Michael Robling Douglas L Stern
Photography: Nancy Long Joan C. Marchand Douglas L Stern Several photographs courtesy of the -^AA:^ Junior League of Evansville, Inc.
Research: Joan C. Marchand Patricia Sides
Design and Layout: Debra McCuiston