Locke Block

The Locke Block on Fifth Street in Devils Lake, North Dakota was built in 1909. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1986.[1]

Locke Block
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Location	405 Fifth St., Devils Lake, North Dakota
Coordinates	48°6′45″N 98°51′34″W
Area	less than one acre
Built	1909
Built by	Gram, Valdemar
Architectural style	Chicago
NRHP reference No.	86001915[1]
Added to NRHP	July 24, 1986

Built as a residential building, its four-story height "would 'make the building a sky scraper in comparison to the other buildings in the city,'" per a contemporary local newspaper article. The roof drain system was innovative.[2]

Its NRHP nomination in 1986 identified it as "the best remaining example of 'Chicago School' commercial architecture in Devils Lake."[2]

Danish-born builder Valdemar or Vlademar Gram's name originally appeared in the date block for the building, but only Locke's name appears now. Gram was prominent in Devils Lake and built the Devils Lake Carnegie Library (also NRHP-listed),[1] the St. Joseph Catholic Church, and part of the Great Northern Hotel.[2][3]^:9

References

1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
2. Kurt P. Schweigert (April 24, 1986). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Locke Block". National Park Service. and accompanying photos
3. Barbara McCormick (September 25, 2000). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Devils Lake Carnegie Library". National Park Service. and accompanying 6 photos