| 1 |  | Seifer Building
531 State Street
circa 1925 | This five story building once housed a retail furniture store for many years. The facade features an intricate glazed terra-cotta design. The attention to detail at the first floor and cornice line is notable. It would be impossible to duplicate this level of craftsmanship today. |
| 2 |  | Lincoln
Hotel
519 State Street
circa 1925 | The elaborate, multicolored terra-cotta facade denotes this as an important structure. Built to serve railroad passengers, the glazed details echo an era when hotels were showplaces on the exterior as well as the interior. Notice the similar use of terra-cotta detailing on the nearby L. Fish Furniture Building. |
| 3 |  | Federal Building
507 State Street
circa 1939 | This public building is constructed of granite, Indiana limestone and Terra-cotta. The four story building replaced a smaller building on the same site and is typical of architecture of the Public Works Administration during the 1930's. |
| 4 |  | L. Fish Furniture Building
475 State Street
circa 1927 | This four story commercial building displays the best terra-cotta craftsmanship in Northwest Indiana. The entire facade is of multicolored glazed terra-cotta, framing wide expansive Chicago style windows, unfortunately covered over. The roof and parapet details are unique and irreplaceable. Also note the three story flashing neon sign, it was a landmark in itself. |
| 5 |  | Old NBD Bank Building
479 State Street
circa 1895 | This two-story rusticated stone building is an excellent example of late Victorian architecture. The original structure located (to the east) features a unique carved limestone cornice and classic entrance portico. The upper level windows have unfortunately been glass blocked in, but the structure itself has been well cared for over the years. |
| 6 |  | Henderson Building
474 State Street
circa 1885 | This two story building is the oldest building in the downtown. The building once had bay windows where the second story glass block windows now exist. Built as a dry-goods store, this building existed prior to the surrounding Minas buildings. The design is Romanesque Revival. |
| 7 |  | Edward C. Minas Store
460 State Street
circa 1894, 1904, 1913 | This is a classic example of a major department store of the turn of the century. The terra-cotta and stone building features a seven-bayed facade with expansive windows, den tiled cornice and original storefront. The architect was Addison Berry. The building is an architectural showpiece in the downtown and should not be missed. |
| 8 |  | Oddfellows Building
465 State Street
circa 1926 | This ornate two-story terra-cotta structure remains largely unaltered. Notice its unique paired arch windows, storefront and parapet cornices, and careful attention to detail making it an important building in the downtown. |
| 12 |  | Former
Jupiter Store
Hohman Avenue
circa 1915 | This two story building exhibits one of the few largely unaltered facades on Hohman Avenue, now fully restored. The wide-paired windows on the second floor are divided into three bays by pilasters capped by stone capitals. Notice the clay tile roof acting as a type of "cornice". |
| 13 |  | P. M. Mueller and Sons
418 Sibley Street
circa 1890 | One of Hammond's oldest commercial buildings, the scale and craftsmanship of the Victorian era are well displayed. The original storefront and pressed tin ceiling are still intact. P. M. Mueller started this hardware store in the 1890's, and it has operated continually until the present. Rusticated stone pillars are noteworthy. Although removed, the once ornate cornice at the top of the building could easily be replaced. |
| 15 |  | 100 Block Sibley Street
circa 1920-30 | These buildings, including the prominent Rimco Building, provide a largely intact example of 1920's architecture. From the former Goldblatt Building to the Walgreen Building, these structures also provide a view of the materials and designs of the boom years of the 1920's. If you look above the storefronts, carved stone and cast terra-cotta details tell of the craftsmanship available during this era. |
| 16 |  | Residence
20 Rimbach Street
circa 1895 | Although altered by false brick asphalt siding, this house is an excellent example of Queen Anne architecture. The irregular roof line, multiple porches, bayed windows and prominent bell-shaped turret are hallmarks of the style. Hidden beneath the siding is an ornately detailed clapboard structure. |
| 17 |  | Residence
14 Rimbach Street
circa 1985-1900 | This large frame structure, now covered with asphalt siding, shows the transitional mix of Queen Anne and Free Classic Architectural styles. The many unusual window treatments and bays are Queen Anne details, while the roof gable details and heavy porch columns are more classic. |
| 18 |  | Masonic Temple
45 Muenich Court
circa 1921 | The Masonic Temple is one of Hammond's most ornate buildings. This five story brick structure features ornate terra-cotta decorations, entrance ways and "towers". The Muenich Court entryway features leaded glass windows, glazed multicolored Egyptian heads and arched, hooded door surrounds. The interior features a large ornate auditorium. |
| 19 |  | Hirsch Building
5246 Hohman Avenue
circa 1925 | This five-story office building is of limestone construction. The unique location of the building at the bend of Hohman Avenue has given this structure a prominent place in the downtown. Notice the cornice at the top and one-quarter around the north facade of the building. |
| 20 |  | Bank Calumet Building
(First Trust & Savings Bldg)
5231 Hohman Avenue
Circa 1923 | The tallest building in the downtown and the city, this ten-story office tower is constructed of limestone (on the street facade) and brick. It features ornate cornices on both the entrance level and roof line. The lobby is a majestic two-story vaulted masterpiece. Now recently restored to it's former glory . |
| 21 |  | OK Building
5252 Hohman Avenue
circa 1915 | This two-story office / residential structure is an excellent example of the type of design prominent during this era. Notable features include a chamfered entrance at Hohman Avenue and Rimbach Street, intricate use of carved limestone, especially at the roof line, and fine second-story windows details. |
| 22 |  | LaSalle Hotel (Hotel Mee)
5766 Hohman Avenue
circa 1910-15 | This five-story brick structure is one of the oldest hotels remaining in Hammond. The building is notable in that it is of reinforced concrete construction and features facade windows and a strong cornice of terra-cotta. Also unusual is the building's height, as comparable structures of its vintage were of a much smaller scale. |
| 23 |  | N.I.P.S.CO Building
5265 Hohman Avenue
circa 1925 | This four-story structure features a stone and brick facade with a decorative third-story cornice. The window surrounds and upper level detailing bears some classical traits. The building building today houses the headquarters of a large public utility, as it has since its construction. |
| 24 |  | Yale Bldg
(Lloyd Bldg)
5305 Hohman Avenue
circa 1923 | Built during the boom years of the 1920's, the building functions as an office complex. The overall romanesque design is highlighted by massive ionic columns on the lower facade and an almost Moorish cornice. The building has undergone massive alterations and is now part of the N.I.P.S.CO office complex. |
| 25 |  | St. Joseph Rectory
5302 Hohman Avenue
circa 1910 | This three-story brick building is most notable for its clay tile roof, unusual window arrangements and roof dormer treatments. Located directly adjacent to the St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, and should not be missed. |
| 26 |  | St. Joseph Church
5304 Hohman Avenue
circa 1914 | Located in the heart of the downtown, this Romanesque revival building is an important landmark. The duel bell towers and unique Rose window are of special note. Inside, the high alter is made of carrara marble quarried in Peitra Santa, Italy, with stained glass windows imported from Germany. Also note the church rectory next door. |
| 28 |  | Residence
536 Sibley Street
circa 1910 | This unusual two-flat apartment building is the lone survivor of several which existed along this city block. Of particular note are the elaborate entry details and rich cornice detailing. Also notice the two-story bay and portal window details. |
| 29 |  | Rectory & Residence
570 Sibley Street
circa 19-- | This brick two-story church rectory / residence features intricate terra-cotta window accents, a large octagonal tower and terra-cotta segmentally arched porch. The structure is well maintained. Also adjacent to this building is the All Saints Roman Catholic Church, quite an impressive structure itself. |
This self-guided tour gives you a sample of the architectural styles prevalent in the downtown. As you enjoy and use your guide to tour the area, please respect the privacy of the owners of those buildings that are not publicly accessible.
Since this guide was first published in 1984 for the city of Hammond's Centennial over twelve years ago, quite a few changes have taken place in the Downtown area. Noticeably are the loss of a half dozen or so major structures of which are noted in this section below. Along with ones that were lost prior to this guide. They are numbered 30 to 34.
