Locke Block

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

1. Locke Block Marker

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From the National Register Nomination:
The Locke Block is the best remaining example of “Chicago School” commercial architecture in Devils Lake. Construction of the building began in early April, 1909, and by May 15 of that year the brick work

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

2. Locke Block Marker

The marker is mounted at the northwest corner of the building.

had reached the third story. A decision to add a fourth story was announced in late May, 1909, in response to a higher-than-expected demand for residential apartments. The added story would “make the building a skyscraper in comparison to the other buildings in the city,” according to a local newspaper article. The building incorporated an innovative method of draining the flat roof during spring and fall periods of alternating thawing and freezing, when exterior drainpipes often became clogged with ice. The drainpipes were installed within the heating chimney of the building to convey water from the roof to a cistern in the basement.

The building was constructed by George Locke, a Devils Lake real estate agent and developer, and Valdemar Gram, a Danish-born building contractor. George Locke came to Dakota Territory from Illinois in 1882 and homesteaded land in the vicinity of what would become the Devils Lake town site. The building was ready for occupancy in late August, 1909, at which time the Devils Lake State Bank moved into the south end of the ground floor. In early September, 1909, A. W. Welch opened “The Bazaar,” a variety store, in the north end of the ground floor. In later years a print shop, club rooms, a tailor and other retail merchants occupied the first and second floors of the building.

The Locke Block reflects “Chicago School” concepts in its simple blocky form, its continuous vertical structural and window bay arrangement, and its use of subdued Neo-Classical decorative elements. The adoption of a then new architectural style, the scale of the building, and its relatively rich detail reflect the general optimism of the Devils Lake business community during the “Second Boom” period of land settlement and business expansion in the region between 1898 and 1910. In part because of its size and multiple-use design, the Locke Block has remained a key structure in the central business district of Devils Lake for more than 100 years.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

3. Locke Block (west elevation)

The Locke Block on Fifth Street in Devils Lake, North Dakota was built in 1909. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Danish-born builder Valdemar or Vlademar Gram's name originally appeared in the date block for the building, but only Locke's name appears now. Gram was prominent in Devils Lake and built the Devils Lake Carnegie Library, the St. Joseph Catholic Church, and part of the Great Northern Hotel.

The Devils Lake Commercial District in Devils Lake, North Dakota is a 15-acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 2, 2023

4. Locke Block (northwest elevation)

From the National Register Nomination:  Restrained Classical ornament occurs in the stone quoining and dentilled metal cornice. Paired sash in a slightly recessed mid-section recalls something of the Chicago School treatment of commercial facades.