Bennett Building, building in Iowa, United States
The Bennett Building is a tall brick structure in downtown Council Bluffs, Iowa, built in the early 1920s. Its rectangular shape in the lower floors curves into an L-shape higher up, with large regularly-spaced windows across the middle floors and a substantial light-colored stone base containing storefronts and the main entrance.
The building was completed in 1924 and became the city's tallest structure at the time, marking a new phase in Council Bluffs' development toward modern architecture. It was designed by local architects Jensen and Larson with supervision from an Omaha-based firm, reflecting the city's growing professional infrastructure.
The building originally served as a hub for medical professionals, housing practices of doctors and dentists, including several female physicians from the city. This role shaped its character and made it an important center for professional services in the community.
The building is centrally located in Council Bluffs and easily accessible on foot, with generous street-level windows that invite exploration. It has been converted into apartments and is well maintained, making it a pleasant part of a downtown walk.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 and was preserved through conversion into apartments, showing how adaptive reuse can keep a historical place alive. This shift from office building to residential use proved crucial in protecting and sustaining it.
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