112 S 2nd
1906 - Northwestern Bell Telephone Exchange
Romanesque
The differing brickwork of this two-story commercial building reflects a two-stage construction history. The first
floor was Romanesque in style with repeating heavy round brick arches and thin mortar joints. The blonde brick of
the facade proper contrasted with a darker red brick used in the foundation, belt courses and pilasters. The second
story addition (Spring 1926) was designed to complement the original but its brickwork is more mixed in color. The
building was enlarged upwards and extended to the rear of the property. The plain parapet incorporates an elaborate
wooden cornice. The evolved facade is one of the best preserved in the downtown.
The only changes are the infilling of the front basement windows with block glass and the upper sashes of the
windows and door transom space have been covered with signage. The upper windows have been temporarily
covered). There is a 1926 rear addition
The Key State Telephone Company constructed this small office building and the building attests to the developing
commercial importance of South Second between Maple and Main streets. The enlargement of the building
interprets the 1925 rebellion by the community which demanded improved phone service. Barely surviving a
franchise vote, the company made the improvements it had promised the voters. A Mr. Halford was the contractor.
Romanesque
The differing brickwork of this two-story commercial building reflects a two-stage construction history. The first
floor was Romanesque in style with repeating heavy round brick arches and thin mortar joints. The blonde brick of
the facade proper contrasted with a darker red brick used in the foundation, belt courses and pilasters. The second
story addition (Spring 1926) was designed to complement the original but its brickwork is more mixed in color. The
building was enlarged upwards and extended to the rear of the property. The plain parapet incorporates an elaborate
wooden cornice. The evolved facade is one of the best preserved in the downtown.
The only changes are the infilling of the front basement windows with block glass and the upper sashes of the
windows and door transom space have been covered with signage. The upper windows have been temporarily
covered). There is a 1926 rear addition
The Key State Telephone Company constructed this small office building and the building attests to the developing
commercial importance of South Second between Maple and Main streets. The enlargement of the building
interprets the 1925 rebellion by the community which demanded improved phone service. Barely surviving a
franchise vote, the company made the improvements it had promised the voters. A Mr. Halford was the contractor.