668 Columbia Street
Trapp Block (1899-1900)

Erected in 1899-1900 by Thomas Trapp, a prominent City businessman, the Trapp Block began as a four storey warehouse with the fifth floor added in 1904 and; the sixth and seventh floors added in 1912-1913. The building was completed by the architectural firm Gardiner, Mercer and Gardiner with the addition of the sixth and seventh floors as well as the façade. The Trapp Block is a wood-frame and masonry warehouse and commercial structure with a distinctive tan terra-cotta front façade that contributes to its visual dominance on Front Street. The extensive use of glazing on the front and rear facades maximize the use of natural light and increase the amount of product display space. The front façade is an excellent example of the influence of the Chicago School on local architecture, as well as exhibiting a superb use of terra-cotta ornamentation. . During the Edwardian era, it was one of the tallest structures built on Columbia Street and remains a landmark in the area.

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