327 W 2nd St
Davenport, IA 52801, USA

325-327 West Second St (Commercial Building), Davenport, Scott County, IA

The appearance of this building is a sample of the changing aesthetics of 19th century commercial architecture. Built in c. 1855 this block was originally designed in the Greek Revival style. Twenty to thirty years later, changing tastes (and perhaps roof drainage problems) saw the addition of the pressed metal cornice. Recent changes diminish its architectural presence in the blockface. Ownership and occupancy records are sketchy for this building prior to 1900. Two early owners were Dr. Edward Schlegel (before 1865) and H.H. Andressen (1865-1877), a prominent German-American banker and businessman. After 1900 the first floor fronts were occupied by a series of firms including McGregor Mercantile (c. 1910); Muhs Brothers, mens clothing (c. 1900-1910); A&P Grocery Store (c. 1920); Kunkle and Sons Hardware (c. 1920-1930); and Capital Furniture Store (c. 1930). None of these businesses were particularly unusual or rare, large scale, or broadbased but rather, were representative of the downtown`s typical small scale commercial makeup.