Benson Block

The Benson Block is a historic building located in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. It is two-fifths of a building that was originally constructed in 1883 and was damaged in a fire in 1923.[2] This part of the building was re-constructed as a theatre, but because it lacked a sufficient number of exits, was never used for that purpose. It is noteworthy for the decorative Neoclassical white terra cotta cladding on the façade, which enabled its owners to transform its original appearance.[2] The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.[1] In 2016, it was included as a contributing property in the Greater Second Street Historic District.[3]

Benson Block
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district Contributing property
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Location	109-112 N. Market Ottumwa, Iowa
Coordinates	41°1′3″N 92°24′35″W
Area	less than one acre
Built	1924
Architectural style	Classical Revival
Part of	Greater Second Street Historic District (ID16000365)
NRHP reference No.	85000009[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	January 3, 1985
Designated CP	June 24, 2016

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
2. James E. Jacobsen. "NRHP Inventory-Nomination: Benson Block". National Park Service. Retrieved 2019-03-26. with photos
3. Molly Meyers Naumann. "NRHP Inventory-Nomination: Greater Second Street Historic District" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 2019-03-26.