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Heins Block
Heins Block.jpg
Heins Block is located in Minnesota
Heins Block
Location in Minnesota
Heins Block is located in the United States
Heins Block
Location in the United States
Location 102-104 N. 9th St., Olivia, Minnesota
Area less than one acre
Built 1896
Architect Hedlund, A.J.
Architectural style Queen Anne
NRHP reference No. 01000842
Added to NRHP August 8, 2001

The Heins Block is a very important building in Olivia, Minnesota. It was built way back in 1896. This building was first home to a bank and a hardware store. Both businesses were owned by a man named P.W. Heins.

P.W. Heins started his first general store soon after Olivia was planned. This happened when the Hastings and Dakota Railway surveyed the area. Heins also started the Peoples Bank in 1889.

The Heins Block: A Historic Building

The Heins Block is known as the most important business building in Olivia. It has a unique look that makes it stand out. This building shows us what architecture was like in the late 1800s.

Designing the Heins Block

A talented architect named A.J. Hedlund designed the Heins Block. He had already designed a house for P.W. Heins. That house was built in the beautiful Queen Anne style.

After seeing his house, Heins asked Hedlund to design the new bank building. The building was finished in 1896. It was a big project for the growing town.

What Was Inside the Building?

The first floor of the Heins Block had two main businesses. These were the Peoples Bank and the Heins and Byers Hardware Store. This made it a busy place for people in Olivia.

The upper floors of the building were also used. The second and third levels had offices. There were also apartments for people to live in. This made the Heins Block a central spot for both work and living.

Architectural Style and Details

The Heins Block has some cool design features. It shows elements of Romanesque architecture. You can see this in the rounded arch windows.

The main entrance is also special. It has a large, recessed arch. This arch rests above two short columns. These details give the building a strong and classic look.

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