Baker-Devotie-Hollingsworth Block

The Baker-Devotie-Hollingsworth Block is a historic building located in the

The eastern two commercial blocks were built by Duane DeVotie and George R. Baker. Baker opened his grocery store in the commercial space of at least the corner block, but it probably took up both.[2] DeVotie, who owned the land the building was constructed on, built the third commercial block in 1883 at the same time as the Hollingsworth Brothers Block to the west was built.^{[citation needed]} The buildings housed a variety of business over the years. At the end of the 19th century, it housed drug and grocery stores. After that, it housed funeral parlors and furniture stores. The Spring Hub Bicycle Manufacturing Company occupied the western storefronts from 1912 to 1967. It was the only Des Moines company that manufactured bicycles.^[2] The upper floor of the corner block housed professional offices, and apartments were located on the upper floor of the Devotie Block. In 1922 the exterior was faced with cement and scored to look like stone. It was at this time that the original window hoods were lost.^[4] Restoration to its original appearance began in 1976. The building is currently home to office and residential space.^[5]

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