West Des Moines, IA
Home Menu202 Fourth Street: Historic Evaluation
This is one of two buildings that doesn't currently "match" the historic district's rules, mainly because of the vertical siding and modern trim added over the years. However, because it was a lumber yard built in 1955, it is a key part of our downtown’s history. If the modern siding were removed, the original windows and the "balcony" look of the old storage sheds might still be there underneath. We want to keep it in the district because it has great potential to be restored to its original historic look.
District Characteristics
| Characteristic | Yes | No | Findings/Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-story brick with narrow mass | X | ||
| Larger, broader massing | X | ||
| Other key façade features | X | ||
| Architectural style | X | ||
| Prominent location | X | ||
| Original façade materials | X | The vertical cladding is the basic alteration that greatly alters the buildings appearance. | |
| Upper fenestration pattern | X | Recommend considering how to replicate the original lumber storage bins in the exterior walls. Some shadowed coloration, fenestration (fuller glassed fronts) would at least aesthetically indicate the historical appearance. | |
| Sympathetic Storefront Infill | X | ||
| Brick corbelled parapet | X | ||
| Cornice/coping (not metal) | X |
Physical Description
Two-story former south corner office building and open-sided lumber shed immediately to the north.
Documented Alterations
Converted into apartments recently, originally open lumber storage areas infilled. Historical photos are critical to resolve the buildings historical appearance.
Historical Note: In 1909, H.A. Bechtel fought the Town Council to establish an "independent" lumber yard here. Despite a local law banning such fire hazards near homes, he prevailed and began producing concrete blocks on-site.
Commercial History
| Business Name | Owner / Manager | Start | Stop | Notes of Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lloyd’s Valley Junction Wine & Cigar Lounge | Lloyd Stevens | 2006 | 2008 | Register, Feb 5, 2008 |
| Valley Jct. Wine & Tobacco Shop | Lloyd Stevens | 2005 | 2006 | Register, Aug 16, 2005 |
| Small Dolls Co. | Lynne Johnson-Brown | 1997 | 2000 | Suite D |
| Sew Pretty | Susan Stroud | 1997 | — | Suite E |
| West Des Moines Centennial | — | 1993 | 1993 | Suite E |
| Monarch Foundations | — | 1989 | 2000 | Suite C |
| Iowa School of Bartending | — | 1989 | 2000 | Suite A |
| Midwest Janitorial Service | — | 1987 | 2005 | Suite B |
| Iltis Lumber | — | 1955 | 1983 | Major fire on Sept 8, 1955 |
| Lumber Yard | H. A. Bechtel | 1909 | — | Express: Mar-June 1909 |