The Rounds Block
Built 1857
The Rounds Block was built in 1857 by brickmaker S.D. Rounds. Rudolph Richter who was employed by Rounds, is believed to be the architect for the building. Richter was a trained architect who had immigrated to America from Prussia.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. Properties.
Marker is on West Front Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
