Hohberger Building

502- 506 East Locust

Built in 1893 – the designer is unknown

It is considered a Late Victorian commercial building.

Commissioned by John Hohberger in 1890 for his hardware store; he only occupied the building until his unexpected death in 1894.

Afterwards it housed Dockstader and Wilkins “Fair Store” occupying the basement and street level. A bowling alley occupied the second floor for a time.

The building was converted into a Woolworth’s in the 1930’s

The name is still in the mosaic tile at the central entry.

NRHP 2002 Criteria C: structural system.

It is one of two buildings left in Des Moines with cast iron columns supporting the interior structure. The exterior walls are load bearing masonry.

The exterior has terra cotta medallions with Hohberger in the center panel.