1700 Block of Broadway

These 5 buildings were demolished during the summer of 2006

The 2005 downtown redevelopment plan proposed this block to be leveled and replaced with surface parking and a pocket park.  Consolidated Communications soon acquired the block and is proceeding with plans for demolition.

Okaw Building:

This building was originally the State Bank.  Okaw Building and Loan acquired the site in 1927.  The top floor was renovated sometime after that.  Mandrell’s Jewelry’s was here in the 1940’s.  This building connects Broadway with the successful businesses on 17^th Street.  It is highly visible and would make a prime location for an art or photo gallery.

Textile Center:

Hattoom’s Confectionery was located here in 1908.  Ten years before that, the building housed George Schmidt’s Jewelry and Silverware.  The architecture of this building appears to be original.  This is rare and should be saved.  This building is the right size for a specialty store, like the fabric shop that used to be in it.  The upstairs could draw revenue from apartment rental.

Buck-Middlesworth building:

This is the biggest building on Broadway.  It is 1000 square feet larger then the Demaree building at 1601 Broadway (Warner’s).  George N. Buck store was the largest dry goods store in Mattoon in the 1880’s.  The façade was replaced in the 1960’s.  This compromised the architectural integrity of the building.  A new façade resembling the original façade would greatly enhance the beauty of this building. The redevelopment opportunities for this building are endless.  Retail, office space, apartment space, are all possibilities.

Little Chef:

Mattoon Steam Laundry offices were here at the turn of the last century.  The building is commonly known as Little Chef.  The current occupier has spent over $10,000 in renovations for a candy and ice cream shop.  The current redevelopment plan has put this development on hold.

Siddens Shoe Shop: