Dewenter's Building
Built: 1856
Architect: Unknown
Style: Greek Revival (1820-1860)
About Greek Revival (1820-1860)
Hallmarks of the Greek Revival style as exhibited in Bloomington architecture include bold, simple moldings on the exterior and interior, pedimented gables, heavy cornices with unadorned friezes, and horizontal transoms above the entrances. The Greeks did not use arches as the Romans did, so Greek Revival buildings do not have the arched windows.
Address: 118 W. Washington St.
Brief History:
1856 - Owned by Dr. Eli Crothers, the building served as offices for a number of prominent doctors and lawyers including William Ward Orme and Leonard Swett.
Abraham Lincoln defends Dr. Crothers for malpractice in famous "Chicken Bone Case."
1870-1988 - Housed Dewenter & Co. men's clothing store, founded by Herman Dewenter and William Kreitzer.
1881 - Windows replaced with plate glass as well as further remodeling and modifications to front façade.
1998 - Architect, Russel Francois, restored the building for use as an architectural office space and contemporary apartment and studio spaces on the third floor.
2019 – Architectural firm was acquired by Paul Scharnett.
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Architectural Description:
Three-story brick, Greek Revival style building. Â
Two-part vertical block with three plate glass windows dating back to 1881.
Both the second and third floors have limestone sills and carved headers of 1/2 round brick and tile caps.
Includes a massive cornice ornamented by entablature of corbeling dentils and heavy pilaster work on frieze.
Interesting Fact:
In March 1979 the back wall collapsed from weakening mortar between the bricks.