Walter E. Bort's Stone Tower Studio

Walter E. Bort's Stone Tower Studio, 722-732 South 12th Street; c. 1923 through 1953; Walter Bort, Architect, of Clinton.The complex occupies about one-half acre in a built-up residential area not very far from downtown. The grounds are beautiful and lushly landscaped. The studio/residence was started about 1923 and incorporated an old brick farmhouse, of unknown date, that stood on the property. The farmhouse has been engulfed by expansion wings built of stone at various dates. The stone used throughout is native limestone laid in coursed rubble pattern with quarry face. The complex was expanded over the years to include scattered apartments. The buildings are all of unified design and recede into the landscape. Of natural materials and colors, the complex is in harmony with nature and the enviroment. The complex, like a small village in appearance, seem romantically and eclectically inspired by English countryside villages.