The McClanahan Block (1913) is a two-story storefront brick
building located on the south side of Washington Avenue, in the middle of
the 600 block. It is a good example of simplified commercial design from the
second decade of this century.
The McClanahan block illustrates the "new, modern" designs
that were in favor in 1913. Rather than projecting hoodmolds and cornices,
the new buildings featured a facade where the visual interest was on the
surface and was created through brick patterns, colors and inset panels
of stone or concrete.
The storefront proper features a deeply recessed entry flanked
by glass display windows. Marble panels are found below the glass. The original
prism glass transom is fully revealed.
The interior of the building is remarkably unchanged.
The first floor retail space remains undivided from front to rear, with
the exception of an office partition that does not extend to the ceiling.
This allows light from the north and the south to flood into the shop.
The original pressed-metal ceiling is fully visible.
The building is currently occupied by a gifts and collectibles
business, and the public is welcome. The address is 613 Washington Ave. |