Robertson Building

712 Walnut Street

Built for the Chase & West Furniture Company in 1894, who occupied the building until 1909

Designed by Foster, Liebbe and Smith

Built by Samuel Robertson, an early Des Moines contractor who also owned a stone quarry and the Des Moines Brick Manufacturing Co. He was heavily involved in civic improvements and promoting the prosperity of Des Moines. Samuel also was large stockholder of Iowa National Bank, the Royal Union Mutual Life Insurance, and a City Council member. While on the council he is credited for bring the first modern sewage system to Des Moines.

Romanesque Revival or Richardson Romanesque

Six stories – originally between two other buildings

Each story is treated as an individual unit between two tall piers.