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LaSalle City Building facts for kids

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LaSalle City Building
LaSalleIL CityBuilding.jpg
LaSalle City Building is located in Illinois
LaSalle City Building
Location in Illinois
LaSalle City Building is located in the United States
LaSalle City Building
Location in the United States
Location 745 2nd St., LaSalle, Illinois
Area 0.6 acres (0.24 ha)
Built 1907 (1907)
Architect Victor Andre Matteson
Architectural style Colonial Revival, French Revival
NRHP reference No. 85001909
Added to NRHP August 29, 1985

The LaSalle City Building is an old and important building in LaSalle, Illinois, USA. It was finished in 1907. This building shows how cities started to manage their affairs in new ways during the early 1900s.

History of the LaSalle City Building

The idea for a new city building came from Walter A. Panneck. He was the mayor of LaSalle from 1903 to 1909. The city did not have enough money for his big plan.

To get the money, the city sold special papers called 'bonds.' Each bond cost $100. They sold 422 of these bonds to raise funds for the building.

Victor Andre Matteson designed the building. He was an architect who had worked for other famous architects before.

This new building brought all city offices together. This was a popular idea during the Progressivism movement. This movement aimed to improve society.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 29, 1985. This means it is a special historical site.

Architecture of the Building

The LaSalle City Building has two and a half stories. It is mostly shaped like a rectangle. The building looks the same on both sides, which is called symmetrical.

Building Materials and Design

It was built using red bricks. It also has special trim made from Bedford limestone. This stone is a light color.

Fancy decorations like Balustrades and modillions are made from metal. These details add to the building's style.

Entrances and Interior Layout

The main door is a double door on the south side. This side faces Second Street. Another public door faces Joliet Street on the east.

There is also a private entrance for the police department. This door faces an alley to the north.

Round windows called Fanlights are above each door. These windows used to show outside. Now, they are covered with a panel.

The first floor has a main hallway in the middle. This floor is where the police department is located.

There used to be a jail here. It has since been changed into office space. The public hall on this floor still looks much like it did originally.

The city engineer's office is on the second floor. The city council meetings are held on the third floor.

The building also has a basement. It was originally small, just for a furnace. Now, it has been made much larger.

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