Albia in Monroe County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

E. W. Byers Building

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2021

1. E. W. Byers Building Marker

Inscription.
This building was built in 1883 and until the 1930’s had two store fronts. It was then remodeled for one store. Over the years it has been home to a number of businesses from a restaurant & bakery to a boot & shoe store.

One of the traits that makes the building unique is its external stairway and balconies. Although the original wooden stairs and balconies have long been replaced, the new wrought iron ones are similar and do not hurt the integrity of the building.

Also the windows on both the front and east side have embellished segmental arched brick hoodmolds with a brick keystone. The arch is repeated in the tops of the recessed panels and in the corbeled frieze.

One other point of interest is that the original owner, Byers, put in his own brick sidewalk along the east side of the building which was not a common practice during that period of time (1880’s). The sidewalk actually remained there until recent times when it was replaced as part of the Iowa Highway 5 project in 1995.

Please proceed to 20-22 Washington Avenue East.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 41° 1.566′ N, 92° 48.432′ W. Marker

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

is in Albia, Iowa, in Monroe County. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Avenue East and South Main Street (State Route 5), on the right when traveling east on Washington Avenue East. Marker is mounted at eye-level near the northeast corner of the subject building, facing Washington Avenue East. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24 Washington Avenue East, Albia IA 52531, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 20-22 Washington Avenue East (a few steps from this marker); 20-24 South Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Albia Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); People's Savings Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); 18-20 South Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); New Perry Building (within shouting distance of this marker); 14 South Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); T. Caroline Acheson Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albia.

Regarding E. W. Byers Building. Contributing property, Albia Square and Central Commercial Historic District, NRHP #85000007.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Albia Square and Central Commercial Historic District

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2021

2. E. W. Byers Building Marker

(looking west along Washington Avenue East from Main Street)

E. W. Byers Building (<i>northwest elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2021

3. E. W. Byers Building (northwest elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 10, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.