Created By: Ball State University
Title of Building: Patterson Block
Address: 100 S. Walnut Street
Year Built: 1876
Architectural Style: Italianate
National Register: Walnut Street Historic District; NR # 88002112; Listed 2/17/1989.
After the original building on the site was destroyed by a fire, Arthur F. Patterson, a local resident, took it upon himself to construct a new building in its place.[1] The first floor housed various commercial businesses, and the second floor accommodated professional offices and hotel rooms. The third floor, known as Patterson Hall, housed the Knights of Pythias Lodge and featured one of the earliest telephone exchanges in the city.[2] The building has undergone substantial remodeling, but the cast iron arcade remains intact. While many businesses moved away and caused a decline in the upkeep of the building, today, Patterson Block is again home to new businesses and organizations.
[1] Greene, Richard A. “Seen and heard in our neighborhood.” Muncie Star, February 27, 1960.
[2] Flook, Chris. “Bygone Muncie: History of Patterson Block Downtown Can Be Traced Back to 1876 and Earlier.” The Star Press. August 8, 2021.
This point of interest is part of the tour: Downtown Muncie Historic Architecture Walking Tour
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