Phoenix Block
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: 106-108 W. Washington Street
Brief History:
1857 - Housed the Illinois Natural History Museum on the third floor, one of the first public museums in Illinois.
1901 - During the construction of the Livingston & Sons department store, five of the seven buildings were razed.
1905-1922 – The 106 W. Washington Street building, housed Homuth Jewelry among others which included Sorg's Jewelers from 1946-1988.
Redeveloped by Fred Wollrab.
Architectural Description:
Three-to four-story common face brick building of the Greek Revival style.
Originally seven nearly identical buildings formed the block, two of which remain.
Ornamentation very minimal. Window sills and headers of Joliet Limestone adorn the upper floors on all facades. Brick inverted pyramids dress the cornice followed by a row of brick dentils and tile capital .
First floor of aluminum framed, glass panels and doors exposing the nature of the public and commercial spaces for 106 W. Washington Street. Also framed in new cast iron columns.
Interesting Facts:
This block got its name from The Pantagraph for the speed that they were built following a fire in 1856, “rising from the ashes.”
The buildings were originally built as office space for lawyers in the local area. It also housed the offices of Kersey Fell, an insurance agent. It was here where Jesse Fell first suggested to Abraham Lincoln he should run for President of the United States and write a campaign autobiography.