National Register of Historic Places

Wirth Building

Duluth, St. Louis County, Minnesota
Listed
July 24, 1991
Type
Building
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
91000896

About this property

The Wirth Building is a commercial building in downtown Duluth, Minnesota, United States. When it was constructed in 1886 it was the city's first example of Richardsonian Romanesque style, and it stands as an early work of architect Oliver G. Traphagen. The Wirth Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 for its local significance in the theme of architecture. It was nominated for being a leading local example of its architectural style and a key turning point in the career of an important Duluth-based architect. The building was commissioned by Max Wirth to house his pharmacy business. Wirth's brother George happened to be one of Minnesota's best-known architects at the time, and had just forged a partnership with his star employee Traphagen. Evidence is lacking to say which of the two partners might have been more responsible for the building, which was a stylistic departure for both. Shortly after the building was completed, Wirth moved back to his native Bavaria while Traphagen remained in Duluth and became its premier architect.

Location

13 W. Superior St.
Duluth, St. Louis County, Minnesota
46.78685, -92.09896

Categories

ARCHITECTURE
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Nearby Historic Sites

Duluth Masonic Temple
Industrial
0.1 mi
Duluth Commercial Historic District (additional Documentation)
Industrial
0.1 mi
Duluth Public Library
Industrial
0.2 mi
Duluth Central High School
Industrial
0.2 mi
Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Depot (Endion)
Industrial
0.2 mi

Questions about this property

When was Wirth Building listed on the National Register?

Wirth Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 24, 1991.

What type of historic resource is Wirth Building?

Wirth Building is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Wirth Building?

The period of significance for Wirth Building is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Wirth Building?

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