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The original building was designed for Charles Clise, one of downtown’s largest property owners, by architect Henry Bittman. In earlier years Bittman had been noted for his work in terra cotta, but this is an example of the modernistic designs the firm produced in the 1930s-50s. This original structure forms the northern section of the existing building, with large-pane metal sash and a recessed entry. In 1946, the new owner, J. T. Sheffield (whose company still owns it), built an addition to the south, with different fenestration. The sash installed at that time has been replaced and the building looks considerably different than it did originally.
The original owner was the Moline Elevator Company, which had an elevator assembly shop in the rear. Over the years, the two structures have housed a variety of small businesses such as restaurants, stores, and a service and referral center for homeless women.
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