Wherry Block facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Wherry Block
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1600–1602 6th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1887 |
| Built by | S.C. Wherry |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 98001283 |
| Added to NRHP | October 22, 1998 |
The Wherry Block is an old and important building in Des Moines, Iowa. It is also known by other names like Wherry's Hall or Scruby's Grocery Store. This building has a rich history and is a great example of old architecture.
Contents
A Look Back at the Wherry Block
The Wherry Block was built a long time ago, in 1887. It was constructed in an area that was then a suburb called North Des Moines. A local builder named S.C. Wherry constructed it. He built it to make money, like an investment. He planned to rent out parts of the building to businesses and people.
Why the Wherry Block Was Important
This building was special because it was the very first business building at this busy corner. This corner was one of only two main business areas in North Des Moines at the time. It helped the area grow and become a place where people could shop and live.
What the Building Looks Like
The Wherry Block is a two-story building made of brick. It shows off the style of the Late Victorian era. This means it has fancy details like stone trim around the windows and a decorative metal piece at the top called a cornice.
The main floor of the building had two separate spaces for shops. These were called "storefronts." On the second floor, there were four apartment units. People lived in these apartments above the shops.
Protecting a Piece of History
In 1998, the Wherry Block was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history. Being on this list helps protect the building and its history.
In 2005, the building was fixed up a lot. This process is called "renovation." A new building was also built next to it. The new building was designed to look similar to the old Wherry Block. This way, both buildings look good together.
