C.W. Frey Showroom/Elks Lodge

Built: 1916

George H. Miller

George H. Miller (b. May 7, 1856—d. March 6, 1927) grew up on a family farm as one of eight children. His education began in the public school system, and by the age of 15, Miller began his career under architects from the Rudolph Richter firm, which at that time was the only one in Bloomington. In 1874, Miller traveled to Columbus, Ohio, working as a draftsman with the Chicago-based firm Fredrick and Edward Bauman, and working alongside architect John Harris.

Returning to Bloomington in 1875, Miller launched a successful career as an architect. He designed prominent buildings such as the Oberketter, Corn Belt Bank, and Livingston buildings, which established him as a leading figure in Bloomington architecture. Miller innovated by introducing modern side lighting systems in school buildings, a technique still in use today.

Beyond architecture, Miller contributed to his community, serving as Bloomington city treasurer, third ward alderman, and chancellor of the local Knights of Pythias chapter. He married Rose Stautz in 1887 and had three children: Kenneth, Raymond, and Sallie. In his later years, Miller faced health challenges, including paralysis from a stroke, leading to his passing in 1927. He is buried in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

Address: 110-210 N. Madison and 302-314 W. Washington Street

Designed by Bloomington architect George H. Miller in 1915 and opened in spring 1916.
First occupant was C.W. Frey Auto dealer. Clarence W. Frey started his first business (hardware store and farm implement business) in Secor, IL in 1904. Began selling cars in 1909. Moved to Bloomington in 1914 because he was looking for a larger market, and opened shop at 203 W. Monroe Street.
The new building at the corner of Washington and Madison Streets was 16,000 square feet, utilizing the Chicago School and Commercial styles of architecture. Miller chose “fire proof” building materials such as Decatur-sourced steel and high-quality brick to use in the construction. This steel frame and brick structure has a strong geometric shape and symmetry. Its box-like shape allowed the interior space to be maximized. The building is accented with terracotta and Bedford limestone features. The façade was originally comprised of large, street-level windows with transoms and separated by uniform columns/pillars that visually extended all the way around the roof. This was the largest single-story garage in the city and became the primary generator for Bloomington’s “auto row” that developed along the 300 and 400 blocks of Washington Street between 1915 and 1921.
After 69 years, C.W. Frey closed in 1973. The Elks Lodge #281 purchased the building in 1974 and spent $400-500,000 on renovations. Evans & Associates developed the remodeling plans. The most noticeable exterior architecture changes were the removal of all the large street-level windows (filled in with brick). The original entry door was enclosed, and small modern entry doors were installed. The rest of the façade was largely unaltered.
When the building reopened on April 6, 1975, there were 1,100 members. The structure was subdivided into spaces for a lounge, dancing, dining, a professional kitchen, game room, and private and public meeting rooms.
The Elks Lodge could be rented for weddings, receptions, and parties. Community clubs such as the Rotary, Young Men’s Club, Kiwanis, and more held their regular lunch meetings in this space.
In 2008, due to declining membership (down to 400 members), they put the building up for sale. It has been vacant ever since. In 2025 the building was slated for demolition. A portion of the façade at the corner of Madison and Washington Streets will be preserved, reinforced, and integrated into a proposed temporary parking lot, with the hope that any future development will incorporate the remaining historic piece of the building.