August Williges was an important Sioux City business man, was born in Germany on March 26, 1858. At age 14 he was apprenticed to a fur manufacturing plant in Hanover, Germany. Williges emmigrated to the U.S. in 1881 when he was in his early 20's and live for a short time in Mew York City and Springfield, Illinois before coming to Sioux City in 1895. In Sioux City he opened a store where he tanned, manufactured and sold furs. In 1929 - 1930 He moved to the location on Pierce Street and eventually expanded his operation to include womens apparel. The Williges store operated until 1998.
Since then and up until recently the building was empty. Security National Bank, located a half a block south owned the building and they were going to tear it down to make room for more parking. A group of people got together and said no we are not going to let you tear this grand historic building down and they saved it from demolition. Recently a law firm decided to renovate the building for their use and I believe they have finally moved in after having new windows installed as well as making the inside suitable for commercial offices.
The Williges Building was one of the very last built in Sullivanesque style architecture. It is part of both the Terra Cotta and Pierce Street Walking Tours.
Here are some Sioux City Journal stories about it:
With Williges gone, is Sioux City still a Great Place?
Local developer saves Williges Building
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