Several buildings in Sioux City, most of them in or near the downtown area, were built with beautiful terra cotta as part of the design. Sioux CIty used to be known as the terra cotta capital of Iowa. Several of the buildings are no longer here. The buildings that still are standing are but a shadow of the former glory days of terra cotta in Sioux City.
Recently there was a book published about this important part of Sioux City's history. I personally walked to each building & took the photo's you see in the posts. Some of the buildings need some work done to repair & restore the terra cotta.
Here is a link about terra cotta:
Terra CottaHere is a list of the styles of architecture & terra cotta used on these buildings. The name of the style will also be a hyperlink so it can be clicked on to take you to more information about that particular style.
1.
Richardson Roamnesque2.
Beux Arts3.
Sullivanesque4.
Chicago School Elements5.
Prarie School6.
Greek Revival7.
Art Deco8.
Moorish Facade9. One building has it's own unique style of terra cotta. It is called the Sioux City Optical Building.
These buildings were designs by various architects. Here is a list:
1. George W. Burkhead, Architect
2. Henry Fisher, Architect
3. William L. Steele, Architect
4. E.F. Henriques. Architect
5. H.C. Stevens Co., Architect
6. O.C. Gross, Architect
7. Beuttler and Arnold, Architects
8. Steele and Elmslie, Architects
9. Rapp and Rapp. Architects
10. Steele & Hilgers, Architects
11. Alonzo Gentry, Architect
12. Knute Enoch Westerlind, Architects
I am starting with numbered streets then will post the named streets. Numbered streets are 4th to 6th Streets. Named streets include Pearl St, Douglas St., Pierce St. & Nebraska St.
