Architectural Survey Research

Narrative Description

This is a 2-story, commercial building of masonry construction. The storefront is divided into two asymmetrical bays by brick pilasters extending slightly outward from the main block. The east bay features an inset entrance of the east side of the facade flanked by large storefront windows. An entrance to the upper floor is situated in the west bay. Transoms remain extant across the entire storefront. An iron I-beam separates the first and second floors and supports the latter. The second floor features an oriel window covered with a shed roof and with three, 1/1 double-hung sash windows in the east bay. A cast concrete sill supported by brackets is situated below the oriel window. The west bay possesses a narrow, 1/1 double-hung sash window. Brickworked dentils surmounted by a pressed metal cornice with brackets crown the building.

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' preference to locate businesses within the 800 block of Main Street

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 the Late Victorian styling to its design. This influence is most evident in the pilastered configuration of the facade; the exuberant frieze with its small-scale dentils, brackets, and pressed metal cornice; and the high doorways, store windows, and transoms on the first floor.

Historic Uses*

• 1921-1964: Fowlers Drug

• 1964: Messerschmidt Drug

• 2000: McClatchy Photo

• Used In the movie Bridges of Madison County

• Russell-Slater Insurance

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