It's turning into a busy week, so I've raided the Lucas County Historical Society's vintage postcard collection again to share a few "before" and "after" images of five Des Moines buildings that, when they were built, were the talk of Iowa --- southern Iowa, at least.
As the years passed, buildings grew taller and some of these magnificent structures fell upon hard times. Quality paid off, however, and most continue to live useful lives.
First the Hotel Savery, an 11-story colonial revival structure that opened in 1919 as the third hotel of that name in downtown Des Moines and the second on this site. It's still a hotel --- now the Renaissance Des Moines Savery --- but has been closed for renovation. At last report, it was due to begin accepting reservations on Sept. 1. I didn't check to see if that happened.
Here's a more or less current view from our friends at Wikipedia.
And of course the Equitable Building. Completed in 1924 as the 19-story headquarters for the Equitable of Iowa insurance company, it reigned for 50 years as Iowa's tallest building. It's now eighth and primarily residential.
Here's another Wikipedia view.
This is the Hubbell Building, 10 stories completed in 1913. Problems with that elaborate cornice led to its removal in 1948 and replacement by flat concrete panels. The street level also has been substantially rejiggered. The result is substantial blandness.
Here's how it looks today.
The 11-story Fleming Building, finished in 1909 and one of Iowa's first big steel-framed buildings, looks a good deal like the Hubbell Building, but has managed to hold onto its elaborate cornice. Like most of these grand old buildings, it now is residential.
Here's a current view from the building's web site.
And finally, the 14-story Des Moines Building, completed in 1930. After skittering along on the fine edge of dereliction for a number of years, this fine old art deco/art moderne structure has been redeveloped into loft apartments.
First the Hotel Savery, an 11-story colonial revival structure that opened in 1919 as the third hotel of that name in downtown Des Moines and the second on this site. It's still a hotel --- now the Renaissance Des Moines Savery --- but has been closed for renovation. At last report, it was due to begin accepting reservations on Sept. 1. I didn't check to see if that happened.
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Here's a more or less current view from our friends at Wikipedia.
And of course the Equitable Building. Completed in 1924 as the 19-story headquarters for the Equitable of Iowa insurance company, it reigned for 50 years as Iowa's tallest building. It's now eighth and primarily residential.
Here's another Wikipedia view.
This is the Hubbell Building, 10 stories completed in 1913. Problems with that elaborate cornice led to its removal in 1948 and replacement by flat concrete panels. The street level also has been substantially rejiggered. The result is substantial blandness.
Here's how it looks today.
The 11-story Fleming Building, finished in 1909 and one of Iowa's first big steel-framed buildings, looks a good deal like the Hubbell Building, but has managed to hold onto its elaborate cornice. Like most of these grand old buildings, it now is residential.
Here's a current view from the building's web site.
 |
| Add caption |
And finally, the 14-story Des Moines Building, completed in 1930. After skittering along on the fine edge of dereliction for a number of years, this fine old art deco/art moderne structure has been redeveloped into loft apartments.
1 comment:
I actually live in the Hubbell Tower now,the top 8 floors are apartments. I'm on the top east side. I frequently walk past the Equitable building, and find the architectural details at the top of the building, beautiful. I sometimes think that I'll end up walking into a street post someday as when I see the building I'm frequently gazing up at the architecture instead of focusing on where I'm walking. Thanks for the info on these buildings,a lot of which are in my "new neighborhood".
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