Historic District in Wilmington in New Hanover County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Ahrens Building

1907

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

1. Ahrens Building Marker

Inscription. Henry E. Bonitz, Architect
Neoclassical revival style commercial building commissioned by Benjamin H.J. Ahrens (1844-1912), native of Germany, grocer, for sons Eduard (1876-1961), and Adolph G. (1882-1953), who operated Ahrens Brothers Wholesale Drug Company here for thirty-one years. Successive businesses include Gregg’s Appliance Store, 1940-1963; and Western Auto Supply, 1964-1980.

Erected by Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina, Historic Wilmington Foundation series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 34° 14.113′ N, 77° 56.902′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, North Carolina, in New Hanover County. It is in the Historic District. It is on Market Street east of South Front Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is mounted at eye-level on the right/west edge of the front façade, facing Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 112 Market Street, Wilmington NC 28401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and on the Cape Fear Coast.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Court House of New Hanover County (within shouting distance of this marker); Bradley-Green Building

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Todd Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Wilkinson Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Warren Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Benjamin Smith (about 400 feet away); DeStrac House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Regarding Ahrens Building. Contributing property, Wilmington Historic and Archeological District, National Register of Historic Places # 74001364 & #03000344 (as Ahrens Brothers Building).

From National Register Nomination:
Three-story commercial building with stepped parapet above a molded cornice. Bays are divided by pilasters with Ionic-like capitals. Second floor windows are arched. Windows are 1 over 1 and 2 over 2 and have keystones. Storefront has recessed entry.

Also see . . .
1. Henry Emil Bonitz (1872-1921), Architect.

Born in Goldsboro, North Carolina, of German parentage.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

2. Ahrens Building Marker
(marker is mounted on right/west edge of front façade)
Established an extraordinarily prolific practice as an architect in Wilmington, with scores of projects in the port city and its environs, and many more in other towns and counties in North Carolina.

(Submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Wilmington Historic and Archeological District. (Submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Ahrens Building Parapet image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

3. Ahrens Building Parapet

(top of the building features “Ahrens Bros.” name)

Ahrens Building (<i>north/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2023

4. Ahrens Building (north/front elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 619 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.