The Rounds Block
Built 1857
— Listed on the National Register of Historic Places 1983 —
The Rounds Block is one of the oldest commercial buildings in Illinois designed by a professional architect. Richter used the Italianate style, which developed great popularity in the years before the Civil War. Other Richter designed buildings include The Old Bloomington Market House (1868) at 109 W. Monroe St. and the Benjamin Schermerhorn Building (1857) at 208 N. Center St.
The section of the Rounds Block on the right is the most original. It features cast iron columns and Joliet limestone lintels and ledges. The brick on the building was undoubtedly supplied from Round's brick yards. The face brick is pressed and the brick on the back and side is hand molded.
The Rounds Block has been the site of commercial activity in Bloomington since its construction. Economic growth fueled by the arrival of the railroad in 1853 spurred new retail and craft businesses. The first floor of these buildings housed saloons, grocers, druggists and restaurants. The upper floors were used for light craft production and as sleeping rooms for clerks and craft workers. The buildings were restored in 1995 by Wollrab Bros.
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Erected 1996 by McLean County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 40° 28.728′ N, 88° 59.653′ W. Marker is in Bloomington, Illinois, in McLean County. Marker is on West Front Street east of Center Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 W Front St, Bloomington IL 61701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The National Hotel (a few steps from this marker); The Crothers and Chew Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Miller-Davis Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); Miller-Davis Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dewenter's Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Phoenix Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Asahel Gridley's Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Sigmund Livingston (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bloomington.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 490 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 16, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
