DeWitt–Seitz Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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DeWitt-Seitz Building
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The DeWitt–Seitz Building viewed from the southeast
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 Location in Duluth
Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 394 Lake Avenue S., Duluth, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1909 |
| Built by | George H. Lounsberry |
| Architect | John J. Wangenstein |
| Architectural style | Chicago school |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001999 |
| Added to NRHP | September 5, 1985 |
The DeWitt–Seitz Building is a special old building in Duluth, Minnesota. It's located in the Canal Park area. This eight-story building was built in 1909. It was first used by the DeWitt–Seitz Company, which sold furniture and made mattresses.
The building is important because it shows how factories and trading companies used to work in Duluth a long time ago. It also has a cool design style called "Chicago School" architecture. In 1985, the building became the DeWitt–Seitz Marketplace. Now, it has shops and restaurants on the lower floors and offices upstairs.
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History of the DeWitt-Seitz Building
The DeWitt–Seitz Building was designed in 1909. Its style, called "Chicago School," was very popular back then. This style often featured tall, strong buildings with many windows.
From Trading to Mattresses
The first company in the building was DeWitt–Seitz. They were a "jobbing company." This means they bought goods from big factories in the eastern U.S. and Canada. Then, they sold these goods to growing towns in the western U.S. Many jobbing companies were near the Duluth Ship Canal.
Like other companies, DeWitt–Seitz started making their own products. They became famous for making mattresses. But by the 1930s, the jobbing business in Duluth started to slow down. This was due to more competition and tough economic times. So, the DeWitt–Seitz Company focused mostly on making and selling mattresses. Their mattress brand was called Sanomade.
A New Life for the Building
In 1961, Sam F. Atkins bought the company. He changed its name to The Happy Sleeper. In 1983, the mattress business moved to a new place. Sam Atkins' son then started to fix up the old building. He turned it from a factory into a place with shops and offices.
The renovated building opened in May 1985. It was renamed the DeWitt–Seitz Marketplace. Some of the first shops that opened there are still in the building today! These include the Blue Heron Trading Company, Art Dock, and J-Skylark.
In 2000, a new owner took over the building. They added even more office spaces on the upper floors. In 2007, the outside of the building was also restored to look its best.
Images for kids
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Lake Street view of the Dewitt-Seitz Building taken in 1952
See also
In Spanish: DeWitt-Seitz Building para niños
