Court Avenue Lofts (Seth Richards Commercial Block)

300-310 Court Avenue

Architect/Builder: unknown

Phase one 300-306 Court was started in 1889 and completed in 1890.

Phase two 308-310 Court was competed circa 1897.

Style: Romanesque Revival

NRHP 2001 aka Lederer-Straus Building

This commercial block shares common architectural design and building materials.

The storefronts are defined by load-bearing, cast iron columns. The original tin cornice was removed prior to 1949. Materials include: cast stone stringcourses, dark-colored brick.

Seth Richards was a out-of-town investment capitalist who built the building

Lederer Strauss Co. was wholesale millinery (hats custom and retail); their sign is barely visible on the west side.

Moses Straus came to Des Moines from Bavaria in 1857. He was also the President of State Savings Bank, A partner in the Majestic theatre (1907) and helped organize the first Hebrew Synagogue in 1876

Alexander Lederer came to Des Moines from Bohemia in 1865. He also helped organize the first synagogue.

Court Avenue was the principal retain spine of downtown during the 1860’s and 1870’s.

Occupied by Spaghetti Works;the upper floors have been converted to 51 loft-style apartments– Court Avenue Lofts. A portion on the apartments are income restricted.