A view of the former Halbach Schroeder Company Department Store building on the southeast corner of Maine and S. Fifth in downtown Quincy. The Chicago School architectural style building was designed by Quincy architect, Martin Geise. it was constructed in 1918 and was one of the largest structures in the downtown area. The building sits catty corner from Washington Park, the city square.
Originally known as "The Big White Store," Halbach Schroeder was the largest in Quincy's history, and continued its business in this building until 1943, when a St. Louis firm replaced it. Other subsequent owners of the structure were Ely & Walker Company followed by Burlington Mills. In 1956, the department store operation was sold to Block & Kuhl and later to Carson, Pirie, Scott & Company of Chicago. Carson's closed its doors to this operation in 1981.
The building is a contributing structure of special significance in the Downtown Quincy Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It has been an office and apartment complex in recent years. Recently renovated, the property is now known as the Halbach Schroeder Lofts.
To the east (left) of the Halbach Schroeder building is the WCU building, a ten-story structure designed by architect George Behrensmeyer in the Commercial architectural style. Completed in 1925, the WCU building was Quincy's first skyscraper.
The Western Catholic Union, a fraternal insurance organization, included in the basement of the structure a swimming pool, a bowling alley, a small gym, and a small cafe. The first floor contains a large commercial space, which was first and for many years occupied by the W.T. Grant Company. Floors two through nine contain offices in which many professional firms, insurance and investment companies, and other service companies have operated over the years. The Western Catholic Union has always and currently maintains offices on the ninth floor. An auditorium and banquet facilities are located on the tenth floor. It is interesting to note that the building's surviving architectural firm of George Behrensmeyer (presently known as "Architechnics") still maintains offices in the building.
The WCU Building also is a contributing structure of special significance in the Downtown Quincy Historic District on the NRHP.
Quincy, known as Illinois's "Gem City," is the seat of Adams County. Located on the Mississippi River, this west central Illinois community had a population of 40,111 at the 2020 census. During the 19th century, Quincy was a thriving transportation center as riverboats and rail service linked the city to many destinations west and along the river.
I invite you to visit my Adams County album for more views of the residential and commercial architecture in Quincy.
