Laird, Norton Company Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Laird, Norton Company Building
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The Laird, Norton Company Building viewed from the north
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 125 West 5th Street, Winona, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1917–18 |
| Built by | Seidlitz & Werner |
| Architect | Schmidt, Garden & Martin |
| Architectural style | Italian Renaissance Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000392 |
| Designated | July 11, 2014 |
The Laird, Norton Company Building is an old and important building in Winona, Minnesota. It was built in 1918 and served as the main office for the Laird, Norton Company until 1958. This company was the biggest and most successful logging business in Winona.
The building is special because of its connection to Minnesota's lumber industry. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. This means it's recognized as a place important to history.
The Laird, Norton Company started in the 1850s. Winona was a great place for them because it was a busy spot for rivers and railroads. The company was one of the first to use "line yards." These were lumber yards set up along railroad tracks. They sold building materials like wood to settlers living further inland.
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What is the Laird, Norton Company Building?
The Laird, Norton Company Building is a historic office building. It was designed by architects Schmidt, Garden & Martin. The building was constructed between 1917 and 1918. It shows off a style called Italian Renaissance Revival architecture. This style was popular for grand buildings.
Why Was This Building Important?
This building was the "headquarters" for the Laird, Norton Company. A headquarters is like the main office where all the big decisions are made. For many years, this company was a leader in the lumber business. They helped supply wood for homes and buildings across the region.
The Laird, Norton Company Story
The Laird, Norton Company was a very successful business. They focused on logging, which means cutting down trees for wood. They then processed this wood into lumber. This lumber was used to build homes, farms, and towns.
How Did They Become So Successful?
The company started in the 1850s. They chose Winona because it was a perfect spot. The city was on the Mississippi River, which was great for floating logs. It also had many railroad lines. This made it easy to move lumber to different places.
One of their smart ideas was using "line yards." Imagine small lumber stores set up along the railroad tracks. This allowed them to sell wood directly to people who were settling new areas. It was a very efficient way to get building materials to new communities.
A Look at the Building's Design
The Laird, Norton Company Building is a great example of its time. It features the Italian Renaissance Revival architecture style. This style often includes grand designs. It might have fancy details and strong, classic shapes. The building was built by Seidlitz & Werner.
Why is it on the National Register?
The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. This honor is given to places that are important to local or national history. It recognizes the building's role in the history of business and the lumber industry in Minnesota. It reminds us of the company's impact on the growth of the region.
