Architectural Survey Research

Narrative Description

This is a 2-story, commercial building of masonry construction. It is conceived within the format of the commercial block. The storefront at 801 Main features three bays with the main entrance in the western bay reached by several steps up from grade. The storefront at 803 Main has been substantially remodeled with original materials replaced by infill brick. The entrance to this unit is at grade. Each of the bays is slightly inset from brick piers, which resemble pilasters. These pilasters are capped with cast stone capitals. The 801 entryway is surmounted with a cast concrete arch. Each unit in the upper story of the commercial block features three bays with 1/1 double-hung sash windows. A cast concrete belt course separates the first and second stories and also serves as the sills for the second floor windows. Another belt course of cast concrete is situated above the second floor r ' ' windows. The building is crowned with a cornice surmounted by a parapet. Unfortunately, the cornice on the 803 unit has been painted. This, as well as its infilled storefront, reduces the visual impact of the building. These changes make the units appear like two buildings rather than one substantial commercial block. The east elevation of the 801 exhibits the same architectural detailing as the front facade, except that it has eight bays. The fourth, fifth, and sixth bays from the north to the south feature arches with a side entrance to the building located in the sixth bay. A 1-story wing is attached to the rear of the 801 unit.

Statement of Significance

The Dallas County Savings Bank is National Register eligible under Criterion A. The building is an outstanding example of the preference among Adel entrepreneurs to select comer locations for the construction of substantial commercial buildings.

The Dallas County Savings Bank is National Register eligible under Criterion C. This commercial block is one of the most fully developed examples of Classical Revival architecture around the Public Square in Adel. The brick pilasters and capitals, the hood molds above the windows, the belt courses around the north and east elevations of the building, and deep brickworked frieze and cornice call attention to the influence of this style.

Historic Uses*

801 Main Street

• 1890: Thorton Kenworthy & Robinson Clothing Store

• 1893: Dallas County Savings Bank, J.W. Russell President; D.A. Blanchard Vice President, William Roberts, Cashier, George Messenger, Assistant Cashier

  • 1894: Robert S. Barr, Attorney at law in south room of bank

  • 1901: First National Bank

• 1906: Dr. R.C. Frush, dentist - office over Dallas County Savings Bank

• 1927: merged with the Adel State Bank; closed 1935

• 193??: Dr. Frush Dental Office (father of Robert)

• 1947: Orvil Reich Insurance & Real Estate; partner Lewis Ferret

• 1950: April-Robert Frush Law Office

• 1-11-78: owners Reich

• 12-1-1981: owners Frush

• 8-28-1992: owners J & L Reich

• 1-1-1996 Owner J. Reich south end of building on S. 8" street house the telephone company, and then the Adel Public Library with Pearl DeRuse Librarian

• 2nd floor apartments

• Basement: Verle Marlenee, barber, Tom Duffy, barber

803 Main Street

• 1900: built by Lon B. Smith (see 805 Main). Dr. Brett, dentist had office above Smith's store

• 1927: sold to Jay Loving and brother-in-law Ray Reynolds for a grocery store. Jay bought out Ray; called Loving Grocery

• 1936 -1998 or 1999: Iowa Power and Light Company (IPALCO)

*Survey research completed in 2004 so only includes building uses prior to that time