The Benson Block is a historic building located in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. It is two-fifths of a building that was originally constructed in 1883 and was damaged in a fire in 1923.[2] This part of the building was re-constructed as a theatre, but because it lacked a sufficient number of exits, was never used for that purpose. It is noteworthy for the decorative Neoclassical white terra cotta cladding on the façade, which enabled its owners to transform its original appearance.[2] The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.[1] In 2016, it was included as a contributing property in the Greater Second Street Historic District.[3]

Benson Block
Benson Block is located in Iowa
Benson Block
Benson Block is located in the United States
Benson Block
Location109-112 N. Market
Ottumwa, Iowa
Coordinates41°1′3″N 92°24′35″W / 41.01750°N 92.40972°W / 41.01750; -92.40972
Arealess than one acre
Built1924
Architectural styleClassical Revival
Part ofGreater Second Street Historic District (ID16000365)
NRHP reference No.85000009[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJanuary 3, 1985
Designated CPJune 24, 2016

References

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  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. ^ a b James E. Jacobsen. "NRHP Inventory-Nomination: Benson Block". National Park Service. Retrieved 2019-03-26. with photos
  3. ^ Molly Meyers Naumann. "NRHP Inventory-Nomination: Greater Second Street Historic District" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 2019-03-26.