Hammond's 1920's Building Boom - City Reaches Skyward

The photos above show us only a few of the dozens upon dozens of new brick and stone storefronts and office blocks, being erected in the downtown area and it's surrounding environs. During the "Roaring Twenties Era" these more modern structures were replacing the older more dated wooden frame buildings.

Pictured above left, we see the new Greenwald Brothers structure, Taking shape at the corner of State Street and Oakley Avenue. This five story structure will be home to the Minas Furniture Company, replacing an edifice that was ravaged by a devastating fire earlier in the year.

Of special note here, some new ideas in colored terra cotta design are being tried out right here in Hammond for the very first time. Design work for the building was done by Chicago architect Leon F. Urbane. All five floors will be used for the display and storage of furniture.

The picture right, shows us the progress on the new H. Shneider store at the corner of State Street and Morton Court, as the work is rapidly nearing completion. This three story brick and terra cotta building was designed by architect George F. Lovall. The top two floors will house numerous apartment flats, while the main floor and basement will be home to the Shneider Department Store.

Mr. Hyman Shneider, proprietor of the fine establishment founded this enterprise only a scant nine years ago, in a small storefront also located on State Street. His business has grown so rapidly, that he could so well afford to expand and erect his very own building at a cost of nearly a quarter of a million dollars. The Shneider's business has transformed into a full line department store, complete with men's, women's, children's and infants' wear, hats, shoes, yard goods, domestics, luggage and a beauty shop. Also of interest see the related story Hammond's 1920's Building Bust.

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Source information and photos from the microfilms of The Times newspapers located at the Hammond Public Library.

Twentieth Century Time Capsule © 1999 HammondIndiana.com

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