Historic Photos

Out with the Old . . . Keiser-Van Leer Expansion, 1936

September 17th, 2015

Seen here is the northeast corner of East and Market streets in downtown Bloomington, late 1935 or early 1936. Keiser-Van Leer Co., a mechanical contractor and hardware dealer, was preparing to demolish the two-story buildings in the foreground (both the wood frame and brick structures) to make way for a two-story Streamline Moderne addition. The five-story structure looming over the doomed buildings was to undergo a significant facelift as well, with its exterior matching the new addition. The talented Bloomington duo Archie Schaeffer and Phillip Hooton served as architects.The Keiser-Van Leer building and addition later became home to Clark and Barlow hardware store. Today it’s occupied by East Street Hardware and Tools.

Bill Kemp

Librarian

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