Wicks Building

The Wicks Building is a three-story commercial structure in downtown Bloomington with a limestone facade and large windows. Vertical piers separate the window bays on the upper floors, giving the building a distinctive character.

The building was constructed in 1915 by Colonel W.W. Wicks after he lost his previous business to fire. It became one of Bloomington's first department stores and played an important role in the city's economic development.

The building displays Chicago School style through its vertical emphasis and extensive glass surfaces that connect the interior with the street. This open facade was a new way to display merchandise at the time and drew customers in.

The building functions today as commercial and office space and is easily recognizable from the street. The best way to see it is a walk through Courthouse Square in downtown Bloomington, where it stands among other historic structures.

The building's sixteen large window bays display a carefully designed glass pattern where each window consists of one large pane surrounded by four smaller ones. This design was a clever way to bring in abundant light while maintaining structural strength.