Wirth Building facts for kids
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Wirth Building
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Wirth 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 | 13 W. Superior Street, Duluth, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1886 |
| Architect | Oliver G. Traphagen, George Wirth |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| Part of | Duluth Commercial Historic District (ID98001220) |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000896 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 25, 1991 |
| Designated CP | May 31, 2006 |
The Wirth Building is a historic commercial building found in downtown Duluth, Minnesota. It was built in 1886 and was the first building in Duluth to use the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. This building is also one of the first important projects by the architect Oliver G. Traphagen.
The Wirth Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. It was recognized for its special importance in Duluth's architecture. It is a great example of its unique building style. It also marked a key moment in the career of a very important architect from Duluth.
Building History
The Wirth Building was ordered by Max Wirth. He planned to use it for his pharmacy business. Max Wirth's brother, George Wirth, was a well-known architect in Minnesota. George had recently started a business partnership with his talented employee, Oliver G. Traphagen.
It is not fully clear which of the two partners, George Wirth or Oliver G. Traphagen, was more responsible for the building's design. The building's style was new for both of them. Soon after the building was finished, Max Wirth moved back to his home country of Bavaria. Oliver G. Traphagen stayed in Duluth and became one of the city's most important architects.
Architectural Style
The Wirth Building is famous for its Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. This style was popular in the late 1800s. It is named after the architect Henry Hobson Richardson.
Buildings in this style often feature:
- Roughly cut stone, usually in dark colors
- Round arches over windows and doors
- Heavy, solid-looking walls
- Towers or turrets
- Deeply set windows
The Wirth Building shows these features. It helped bring this new and impressive style to Duluth.
See also
In Spanish: Wirth Building para niños
