Townsend's Corner Block

Townsend's Corner Block. . , This building has the distinction of being built to replace the last frame buildings on the Square which burned January 1902. Later that same year Albia Attorney Fred Townsend built a triple front building on that site to replace ones that burned. , This building is a good example of the interest in a Neo-classical designed building made out of different kinds of brick (color and texture) that was popular between 1900 and 1910. The most unique feature of this building is the brown Milwaukee Brick from which it is built. Fred Townsend was very proud of this special brick showing it to friends prior to construction of the building. , The building, being of a later period, did not have a metal cornice rather corbeled brick was used to give the appearance of a cornice. Very subtle Neo-classical details are used and include stone egg and dart molding around the windows and a delicate Rinceau band beneath the corbeled cornice. The mini-turrets are a distinctive feature of the block. , The first business to occupy the north section was the Golden Eagle Department Store, a branch store from Oskaloosa that represents the Coal Mining boom years of Southern Iowa and Albia, which has historical significance in itself. Although this building’s relationship with the Golden Eagle was brief it was part of a phenomenon that will never be forgotten nor seen again. , The larger section housed Gantz and Kellogg grocery store for many years and the upstairs housed at various times the woodmen of the World lodge and Blue Moon Dance Hall. , Please proceed to 8-10 South Main Street.