Black Building, Art Moderne office building in Downtown Fargo, United States
The Black Building is an eight-story Art Moderne office building in downtown Fargo located at 114 Broadway, with a facade of Indiana limestone that contrasts sharply with the brick structures around it. The pale stone exterior and the building's geometric detailing create a distinctive visual presence on the street.
George Mumford Black commissioned the building's construction in 1931 during the Great Depression, when most cities were not undertaking new building projects. This investment reflected confidence in Fargo's economic prospects at a time of national hardship.
The building once housed WDAY radio station, and the station's announcers mentioned the Black Building in every broadcast as part of the station identification. This made the building a familiar landmark in the ears of local listeners throughout the region.
The building underwent major renovations in recent years and now contains residential luxury apartments in the upper stories. Since it functions as a private residential building, visitors can best appreciate its architecture by viewing the exterior facade from the street.
A time capsule was placed in the building's northeast cornerstone in 1934 containing everyday items from North Dakota life during that era. This hidden vault remains sealed within the stone, preserving a snapshot of the region's past.
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