Wilson Building

Wilson Building (J. C. Penney/Wilson Building), 217 5th Avenue South, 1812-1914; John Morrell & Son, Architects, of Clinton; Daniel Haring, Contractor.The building is the tallest one downtown and is a major landmark. The front façade is of white terra cotta. The vertical lines are accented in the typical "skyscraper" fashion of Sullivan. Horizontal spandrels of terra cotta claddings and ornament over the structural beams are suppressed so that the vertical piers can de dominant. Changes from the original construction include removal of a heavy, projecting cornice at the roof line, replacement of the double-hung windows, and ground-floor storefront alterations. The building is a good local example of the Commercial Style which was originally derived from the "Chicago School of Architecture". The front façade is richly textured, patterned and ornamented—yet, the major lines of the structure still retain definition and appropriateness.