Wicks Building
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1915 |
| Founder | Colonel W.W. Wicks |
| Defunct | 1976 |
| Headquarters | Bloomington, Indiana , United States |
| Products | Department store goods |
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The Wicks Building stands as a notable commercial edifice situated on Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown Bloomington, Indiana, United States. Constructed during the early 1900s, this structure exemplifies a unique architectural style and has continuously served commercial purposes throughout its existence. Its architectural significance has earned it recognition as a historic site.
History
Colonel W.W. Wicks, a Civil War veteran and prominent Bloomington entrepreneur, owned one of the leading local limestone quarries. Seeking to broaden his business interests, he ventured into retail by establishing a general store. After a fire destroyed his original property, Wicks acquired a lot at 116 Sixth Street on Courthouse Square and constructed the current building in 1915. The Wicks Company, recognized as one of Bloomington’s earliest department stores, operated at this address until it ceased operations in 1976.[1]: 3
Architecture
The Wicks Building rises three stories and is constructed primarily of brick with a limestone front. Its design highlights its commercial function through extensive use of glass: large floor-to-ceiling windows dominate the middle and upper floors, while the ground level—except for the entrance—is almost entirely made up of display windows. A substantial leaded glass window occupies the space between the first and second floors. Flanking the facade are robust limestone piers; between these are seven smaller limestone piers on the second and third levels that divide the windows into eight distinct bays. Prominent horizontal limestone bands run beneath the second story and above the third; the lower band features large lettering spelling out "The Wicks Company," whereas the upper band is taller but uninscribed.[1]: 2
The building’s exterior is adorned with numerous decorative elements. Each of the sixteen large window bays on the upper two floors contains five glass panes: one large central pane surrounded by four smaller panes arranged two above and two below. Cast iron accents are prevalent on the facade, including small iron balustrades beneath each window and expansive iron spandrels embellished with cartouches positioned between the second and third story windows. Similar ornamental motifs are echoed in the stonework at the roofline, where pier tops extend slightly above the main roof.[1]: 2
Beyond its prominent facade, the rest of the building exhibits a conventional commercial design with plain brick sidewalls typical of urban surroundings. The rear consists of painted brick walls, standard windows, a fire escape, and a service entrance. The entire structure is topped with a straightforward sloped roof.[1]: 2
Collectively, these architectural features establish the building as a distinctive representation of the Chicago school style. Although most structures in this style are considerably taller than three stories, elements such as window arrangement and size, roofline design, and overall layout align closely with hallmark characteristics of Chicago school architecture.[1]: 2 : 3
Historic designation
The Wicks Building earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, recognized for its unique historic architectural style. Its listing is largely attributed to the building’s uncommon design: it stands as the sole surviving Bloomington structure constructed in accordance with the Chicago school of architecture. Equally important is the exceptional state of preservation it exhibits; although the stone exterior experienced minor wear during its initial seventy years, the overall integrity of the building has remained intact. Unlike neighboring structures, its facade has undergone almost no alterations since it was originally built. In the early 1980s, the building underwent a restoration process and was repurposed for office use. Furthermore, it serves as a contributing property within the Courthouse Square Historic District, which itself is registered on the National Register.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Miracle, Rick. National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Wicks Building. National Park Service, 1982-02-01.