Architectural Survey Research

Narrative Description

This is a 2-story, commercial block of masonry construction. The storefront has been substantially remodeled but it retains three entrances to the building. Two of these are situated near the middle of the facade. The other is located nearthe west end of the facade. The facade also features several foreshortened windows. The upper floor features an asymmetrical arrangement of fenestration. Two, 1/1 double-hung sash windows are situated in the 717 unit. One blind window and two small windows are situated on the second floor of the 717 unit. One blind window is situated in the middle of the second floor. Cast concrete hood molds with keystones cap the small windows, while the tops of the other windows on the second floor are enframed with brick. A brickworked cornice surmounts the north facade of the building.

Although known today simply as 715 Main Street, this report identifies it as 715-717 Main Street, an indication of its construction as a commercial block and to clarify the narrative description of it.

Although the Dallas CountyAssessor's Office dates the construction of this building to 1900, an historic photograph of it (see below} dates it to 1903. The later date is more apt to be correct

Statement of Significance

This building is National Register eligible as a contributing resource to the historic district under Criterion A. It calls attention the evolution of land use around the Public Square in Adel and local entrepreneurs expansion of the town's business district along the eastern reaches of Main Street during the economic boom of the early 20" century. (See cover document.)

This building is a contributing resource to the historic district because of its significance under Criterion C. The building calls attention to the influence of Classical Revival styling to its design. (See cover document). This influence is most evident in the cast concrete hood molds above the upper floor windows and the brickworked cornice.

Dr. Walter Scott built this edifice in 1903 as a private hospital. He owned and operated it for twelve years and lived in an apartment in the building. An historic photograph of this building survives. Taken from the top of the Dallas County Courthouse, the view pictures the building rising above most of the other single-family dwellings in the surrounding neighborhood. A caption on the verso of the photograph reads: "Building in the foreground was built in 1903 by Dr. Scott, used as a private hospital. Located 715 Main St. His offices were on the first floor with hospital rooms on the second. In later years his office was on the east side and he turned the west half into the Junction or Dox Cafe, as it was called later. (Forest Park Museum Collection, Perry, Iowa