Montana Historical and Architectural Inventory (Site #155)

Physical Description:

This three story flat roof masonry commercial structure is primarily two-color brick, has an enriched entablature, and is characterized by an irregular bay spacing divided by pilasters. The bays are reflective of multiples of the second and third floor window pattern: they begin at the sides with a projected bay of one window width followed by a recessed bay of one window width, then a symmetrical window grouping of 3-2-3 between pilasters. The parapet is of brick and terra cotta and has a rectangular posted pediment with the date "1913" displayed. The cornice and dentils (or beam-ends) are sheet metal above a plain terra cotta frieze. The name "Crowley Block" is stamped into the frieze. Brick pilasters terminate at the frieze with simply detailed terracotta capitals and rest on a terracotta belt course above the first floor transom area. Pilasters and projected window bays are light colored brick; the recessed brick plane surrounding the windows within the bays is a darker brick. A contemporary advertising band has been installed below the belt course and the materials at street level include contemporary glazing, entrances and brick display windowsills from more recent remodeling. A sidewalk canopy extends the width of the structure and occurs at the top of first floor display windows. The back of the structure is brick.

This structure qualifies for register listing under Criteria C. It is typical of commercial architecture during Lewistown’s "emerging" years and the building’s scale, massing and materials are significant to the central part of Main Street.

Classification: mixed; commercial influence with a classical cornice and very subtle colossal scale bay spacing.

The Crowley Block is significant because it is associated with persons important in local history and it illustrates development of the built environment in Lewistown.

Annie Crowley, widow of Daniel M. Crowley, one of the earliest settlers in Lewistown, retained the local firm of Wasmansdorff and Eastman to design the three story Crowley Block in 1913. The Lewistown brick and terracotta structure, with 80’ of Main Street frontage, housed Sweitzer’s Department Store and professional offices. The general arrangements were so admirable "that practically all the rooms were spoken for before it was completed", an indication of the rapid growth of Lewistown’s business district during the period.

Wasmansdorff and Eastman also designed the 12 room Crowley residence at 208 North Eight Avenue in 1911.

Integrity: First floor elements, including the advertising band, are intrusive; the remainder of the façade is original and intact. The structure is on the original site. Overall, it contributes to the historic masonry character of the area. The impacts to first floor and window infill are reversible.