historic preservation report--tonganoxie's shilling electric building
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The Shilling Building 511 E. 4th Street , Tonganoxie, Kansas
Historic Structure Report & Treatment Recommendations
Matt Buchanan & Toby Moody UBPL 760: Historic Preservation Planning
Buchanan & Moody, 2
Table of Contents Introduction……………..3
Historical Context……………..4 Property History……………..7
Historical Significance Evaluation……………..9 Architectural Significance and Existing Condition Evaluation……………..10
Treatment Recommendations……………..15 Conclusion……………..19
Bibliography……………..20
Buchanan & Moody, 3
Introduction
The Shilling Electric Company in Tonganoxie, Kansas, occupies the historic commercial building at 511 E.
4th Street in Tonganoxie’s historic downtown. Because Shilling Electric is the longest and most
identifiable tenant in the building’s history, we have named the structure the “Shilling Building” for
convenience in this historic structure report.
The purpose of this document is to outline the building’s history in context and evaluate its architectural
features. This assessment will lead to a series of recommendations aimed at preserving the building and
its architectural integrity by preserving or restoring its most character-defining features and enhancing
the building’s use into the future by considering rehabilitation possibilities for more deteriorated or
underutilized portions of the building.
The most important recommendations include replacing the roof and repairing water damage,
preserving and restoring the storefront, and then exploring options to increase accessibility and create a
profitable use for the second story.
Buchanan & Moody, 4
Historic Context
The early development of Tonganoxie during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was not unlike that of
other emerging settlements of the time. According to a Kansas State Historical Society context
statement, town development in Kansas during this time exhibited several common similarities. For
instance, most were first developed due to their proximity to river or rail transportation networks. These
towns were initially comprised of quickly constructed structures made from native materials. Once a
settlement attracted some regional prominence, more substantial buildings were erected using
prefabricated materials shipped from manufacturing centers in Ohio and elsewhere (Historic
Preservation Department, 1987).
This pattern is consistent with Tonganoxie’s early development. The Union Pacific Railroad led to the
founding of Tonge-Noxie in 1866 by Magdalena Bury. The first structures were constructed of clapboard
or rough native lumber (City of Tonganoxie, 2013). By the 1880s and 1890s, the City had established
itself as a prominent location between the regional hubs of Leavenworth and Lawrence. As such,
Tonganoxie experienced a major building boom, which included the construction of what is now known
as the Shilling Building (Lenahan, 1981).
Figure 1: Downtown Tonganoxie in 1907.
Source: Northeast Kansas
Memory Basket Tonganoxie.
Buchanan & Moody, 5
Most emerging small Kansas towns during this period had at least one grocery store, bank, saloon,
bakery, confectionary, drug store, agricultural implement dealer, and a combined furniture store and
mortuary (Historic Preservation Department, 1987). A 1913 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of downtown
Tonganoxie reveals the community had all of these types of establishments, as well as a cigar factory,
boarding house, jeweler, photography studio, and even an auto shop (Kansas Sanborn Fire Insurance
Maps, 1913). The Shilling Building itself is believed to have served a variety of functions during its
existence, which was common among small Kansas towns taking shape around the turn of the 20th
century.
Figure 2: Tonganoxie in 1867—buildings primarily made from clapboard and native-lumber. Source: John Cass Lenahan, Sr.’s Yesteryears (1987).
Figure 3: Tonganoxie in 1919—more substantial structures built during the building boom between 1890-1910. Source: John Cass Lenahan, (2008).
Buchanan & Moody, 6
Figure 4: Sanborn Map of Tonganoxie in 1913 Source: Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas.
Buchanan & Moody, 7
Figure 5: North side of the 500 block of East 4th Street in 1919. The property known today as Shilling Electric is furthest to the right.
Source: Northeast Kansas Memory Basket: Tonganoxie.
Property History
The Shilling Building was constructed by W.C. Phenicie of Reno, Kansas in 1890. Phenicie was a “highly
respected” farmer and stock-raiser in the Reno and Tonganoxie areas (Shilling, 2013). Phenicie had
previously served in the 29th Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War before moving to Kansas
(Cutler, 1883). Phenicie was a major landowner who constructed and leased several properties in and
around Tonganoxie (Shilling, 2013). He also served as the Vice President of the Tonganoxie State Bank in
1918 (Kansas Department of Banking, 1918).
It is unknown what the Shilling Building was initially built and used for in 1890, but some locals claim
that it was used as a mortuary and furniture store from 1900 until 1921 (Quisenberry Funeral Home,
2011). The Shillings support this belief; however, Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps indicate that the
property had been used for hardware and agricultural implement sales during part of this time (1913).
Buchanan & Moody, 8
The words “Ecker Hardware” are scribbled in pencil on an interior second story wall, which helps
corroborate the claim. It is certain, however, that the structure had always been used for commercial
purposes, and the second story had always been used for storage (Shilling, 2013).
Sometime after being used as a mortuary, the Shilling Building was owned by the Jahns brothers, who
operated a grocery store (Shilling, 2013). In 1946, Roger Shilling’s father leased the property from the
Jahns and opened his electrical parts store. Shilling purchased the building in 1948, and the business has
continued to operate to this day. Shilling Electric is currently owned and operated by Roger Shilling and
his wife Phyllis.
Figure 6: Shilling Electric sometime between 1946 and 1960.
Source: Northeast Kansas Memory Basket:
Tonganoxie.
Figure 7: Shilling Electric in November, 2013
Source: Matt Buchanan (November 2013).
Buchanan & Moody, 9
Historical Significance Evaluation
The argument for the Shilling Building’s historical significance is based on Criterion A of the National
Register’s Criteria for Evaluation. According to the National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the
National Register Criteria for Evaluation, Criterion A includes properties intimately associated with
historic events or trends. This applies to structures that were integral in the early settlement and
emergence of historic communities (National Register Bulletin #15, 1990).
The Shilling building embodies the function of commerce; its history is tied to the downtown
commercial activity and development of Tonganoxie and the Reno Township in the late 19th to early 20th
centuries. The commercial development of the area is significant to the broad patterns of local and
regional history. The scale, form, and use of the early commercial buildings in a blossoming town
influenced the settlement patterns of the area and “represents the town’s growth as the commercial
focus of the surrounding agricultural area” (National Register Bulletin #15, 1990). The Shilling Building
was constructed by Mr. Phenicie, a prominent figure in local real estate and commercial development,
and its historic commercial uses firmly situate the building in the local commercial development.
The small central business district that grew in Tonganoxie in the late 19th century is indicative of the
overall pattern of small-town development in the Midwest. Rail transport enabled rural communities to
move and purchase goods and begin to develop permanent downtowns in a characteristic pattern of
development. Communities that continued to thrive as small economic centers within an agricultural
area relied on the town’s ability to provide essential services and construct an inviting and vibrant
business district (Historic Preservation Department, 1987). The Shilling Building, dating to 1890, is
illustrative of distinct small-town business districts essential to the resilience and viability of a local
business district.
Buchanan & Moody, 10
Architectural Significance and Existing Condition Evaluation
According to National Register Bulletin 15, “A property that is significant for its historic association
(Criterion A) is eligible [for listing on the National Register] if it retains the essential physical features
that made up its character or appearance during the period of its association with the important event,
historical pattern, or person” (National Register Bulletin #15, 1990). The Schilling Building retains fair to
good architectural integrity. The building has received minimal alterations in its history, which has
resulted both in a high degree of original materials being retained and some deterioration. This section
will examine the building’s characteristics, discuss the modifications that have been made to the
building, and evaluate exterior and interior deterioration in order to make better informed
recommendations for treatment in the subsequent section.
The Shilling Building is a typical late 19th century downtown commercial block structure. It is rectangular
in shape and exhibits 30’x100’ dimensions, two stories, and a flat roof. Because it sits on a zero-lot line,
it directly abuts the sidewalk and two other commercial buildings. The interior has been arranged for
traditional retail use. The first floor interior consists of a very large, open retail space that occupies the
front 3/4ths of the building. The remainder of the first floor is sectioned off and has historically been used
for retail storage, as well as access to the second story. The upstairs is entirely open, and has always
been used for additional storage (Shilling, 2013).
Figure 8: Open retail space on the first floor of the Shilling Building Source: Matt Buchanan (November 2013).
Buchanan & Moody, 11
Figures 9, 10: Open storage space on the second floor. Source: Matt Buchanan (November 2013).
As a traditional commercial block-styled structure, the Shilling Building exhibits a classic storefront
façade. This includes display windows, cast-iron posts, and a recessed entrance that help create clear
vertical divisions from the second story. The street-facing façade is covered in original red brick. The
upper floor includes smaller windows and plainer decoration and is capped by a modestly decorated red
brick cornice. Although unnoticeable from the outside, all exterior walls are made of local stone. All the
structural materials are reported to be original and appear to be fair to good condition (Shilling, 2013).
The significant decorative features remain intact. The brick cornice is original and in reparable
condition. The cast-iron posts (figures 13, 14) that frame the shop entrance are original and intact as
well. They are in fair condition, but with the proper treatment could be better preserved. The first-story
storefront windows are also original. The wood show signs of wear, but may be repaired.
Buchanan & Moody, 12
Figures 13, 14: Original cast-iron posts were manufactured by Riverside Iron Works of Kansas City. Source: Matt Buchanan (November 2013).
Figure 11: Second story façade windows and cornice Source: Matt Buchanan (November 2013).
Figure 12: Original second story windows Source: Matt Buchanan (November 2013).
Buchanan & Moody, 13
Other, less significant features have less integrity. The second-story windows were replaced in the last
30 years, but the owner has kept the original windows (Figure 12), and there is a possibility that they
could be repaired and reused. Doors throughout the building appear to be intact and original and show
varying degrees of deterioration. The front door in the storefront is the most significant and character-
defining, and thus should receive the most attention. The building once featured a chimney, but the
owner recently had it demolished due to considerable structural damage.
Two character-defining interior features are original to the building’s construction but show
considerable dilapidation. The original wood staircase (Figure 14) shows considerable rotting and is
most likely beyond repair. The original 1890 elevator (Figure 15) is preserved but has been inoperable
for many years. The owners believe it had been frequently used when the building served as a furniture
store and mortuary, and more recently when the property served as a grocery store. The elevator has
never been upgraded, and because the second story has been underutilized since becoming an electric
store, the owner has opted not to repair the elevator to date (Shilling, 2013). Keeping the elevator intact
will provide future generations with insight into how the building had been historically used.
Figure 14: Damaged original staircase
Figure 15: Inoperable original elevator gears
Source: Matt Buchanan (November 2013).
Buchanan & Moody, 14
The building has received very few alterations in its lifespan. The first story store looks much as it did in
1890; the main alteration was the addition of pegboard to the walls in the 1990s (Shilling, 2013). This is
a superficial and reversible change and thus does not compromise the building’s integrity in any
meaningful way. The owner constructed a garage that abuts the backside of the building sometime in
the 1960s-70s. The metal structure is painted to resemble the tan color of the building’s stone walls.
The garage is not structurally integrated with the building and could be removed without threatening
the historic structure.
Figure 16: Garage extension on rear (north
side) of the property
Source: Matt Buchanan (November 2013).
Buchanan & Moody, 15
Treatment Recommendations
Given the current state of the building, this historic structures report recommends that certain features
be restored, some preserved, and some rehabilitated.
Restoration means to replace historic materials that are deteriorated beyond repair with the same type
of materials that are differentiated so as to be identifiable as new, but that resemble the historical
material sufficiently to integrate cohesively with the existing historic material. This is useful treatment,
for example, on wooden windows that have major water damage to some, but not all, of the wooden
elements. Restoration will be part of the recommendation for treating the storefront.
Preservation means to leave the historic materials. It is suitable for materials that are in good condition
and can provide continued use with minimal work, which typically includes cleaning. Preservation is the
preferred option for the most significant character-defining features. Because the Shilling Building has
seen little alteration, preservation is the appropriate treatment for elements that have not experienced
significant deterioration or water damage.
Rehabilitation is the treatment that allows the greatest freedom in altering an historic building. The
character-defining features must be preserved or restored, but there is considerable latitude to alter the
use, appearance, or configuration of the space as a whole. The goal of rehabilitation is to provide
attractive, modern uses that enhance the economic viability of the building. Rehabilitating the second
story of the Shilling Building in order to create additional revenue is an important option to explore.
The biggest threat to the building’s continued use is the roof; leaks and deterioration indicate that the
roof should be entirely replaced. Continued water permeation could cause further damage in the
second story of the building. Therefore, the first and most critical recommendation of this report is to
repair the roof. Without a sound roof, the rest of the building faces a substantial threat to its integrity.
Buchanan & Moody, 16
Because the roof leaks have not been addressed, the wood floors throughout the building display
varying degrees of water damage. The wood floor of the upper story shows considerable deterioration,
primarily due to the roof leaks, and is unsafe in places. The first-story floor appears in better condition.
The second-story floor, because it is less significant to the overall integrity of the building and in worse
condition, should be replaced entirely. The first-story floor is more significant to the building’s character
and is in better overall condition. Therefore restoration should be a priority where damage is severe.
The historic storefront, the most significant exterior element of the building, appears fully intact and in
fair to good condition. It is a strong candidate for preservation and restoration. The masonry elements
of the storefront appear to be in good condition. Cleaning masonry is often caustic and introduces
further damage, and because the Shilling Building’s masonry appears in good condition, no cleaning
beyond water and mild detergent is recommended (Preservation Brief #11, 2000). The windows are
relatively simple and, again, appear in good condition. No water damage is evident, and so routine
maintenance is all that is likely needed. Removal of the paint and inspection of the stool, sill, and casing
for any wood rot is the first step. If the wood appears in good condition after inspection, weather-
stripping and repainting are the final steps (Preservation Brief #9, 2000). The cast iron posts appear to
be in need of cleaning and repainting. It is not evident how many layers of paint are present on the
posts, but hand-scraping and wire-brushing are economic and effective ways to remove paint. Any rust
that is present must be removed before repainting. This may be accomplished by wire-brushing or, if
necessary, low-pressure grit-blasting (Preservation Brief #11, 2000). After cleaning, screws and bolts
should be caulked to protect against water damage, and the cast iron may then be repainted.
Accessibility is one major challenge that the building faces. Safe and easy access to the second story
must be provided before any second story use can be considered. The historic wooden staircase is
heavily damaged and must be replaced. Furthermore, modern legislation and accessibility requirements
Buchanan & Moody, 17
make equal access for disabled persons a civil right, a notion that was not even a consideration at the
time of the building’s construction (Preservation Brief #32, 2000). Access to the first story would only
require a minor modification to the small step in front of the main entrance, but providing access to the
second story to provide additional uses is a challenge and expense. Because the stairs must be replaced,
however, there is opportunity to address accessibility.
One option would be to create parking and a rear entrance by removing the garage structure. Because
the current stairs are located in the rear of the building, a back entrance would provide equal and logical
access to upstairs access if the upper story ever takes on a commercial use. Installing a new elevator
along with the new staircase would maximize access for all users and increase the attractiveness of
second-story uses. If the second story were to become rental space, the rear entrance would provide a
private entrance for those tenants without requiring modification to the historic commercial space in
the front portion of the first story.
Making the historic elevator serviceable seems an unlikely option. The expense of repair would likely
exceed the cost of adding a second elevator in the rear, and its location in the main commercial space
would require awkward reconfiguration to provide private or separate access for second-floor tenants.
Improving the appearance of the existing elevator and keeping it as-is, as a showpiece of the historic
building’s function, is a more realistic option.
Rehabilitating the second story, although not an immediate priority for the owners, should be
considered in advance of any repairs. Creating usable, rentable spaces on the upper floor would
strengthen the building’s economic future. Second-story apartments are a typical solution and deserve
consideration, but do not appear viable at this point in Tonganoxie. The community’s residential
development is expanding on the periphery of town, and there is not likely to be a market for
downtown apartments in the foreseeable future.
Buchanan & Moody, 18
Partitioning the space to create private offices and studios seems a more practical option. A rear
entrance to the building could lead to a corridor with spaces for legal or professional offices or services
like a massage or physical therapy studio. Service and technology-based professions are increasing, and
space for health-care oriented professionals could provide substantial rental income for the property
owner without the need for permanent alterations to the second story.
Considering the building’s future in the landscape of the community’s changing needs is vital to its
preservation and continued use (Brand, Chapter 11, 1994). The first story displays the greater degree of
historical significance and thus should received less modification, but “scenario planning” for potential
demands in the community and how the second story can change to meet those demands must be a
first step in preparing for improvements and repairs (Brand, Chapter 11, 1994). Although a second-story
tenant does not seem a real possibility today, its certainly could be in a decade. If Tonganoxie’s
downtown becomes a historic district, for example, grant money and other investments would be an
avenue for revitalizing the downtown landscape. Replacing the roof is an immediately necessity. The
owners can, however, plan and budget further repairs with an eye toward incrementally creating a
rehabilitated second floor that maintains the buildings character and maximizes it economic viability.
Buchanan & Moody, 19
Conclusion
The Shilling Building is a significant contributor to Tonganoxie’s historic downtown and has a rich history
in its own right. The owners have kept the most important features intact, but a minimum set of repairs
is badly needed to ensure the buildings use and integrity into the future. The first and foremost priority
is to replace the roof and address all water-damage created by leakage. Other, less costly repairs will
preserve and protect the most character-defining features.
There is potential to create an attractive and vibrant downtown in Tonganoxie, but the economic
conditions and development patterns at present are not conducive to making significant investments in
the building. Nonetheless maximizing the usable space in the building is vital for its preservation, and
the suggestions in the previous section provide ideas for future rehabilitation.
Tonganoxie’s downtown is a potential historic district. Creating public awareness of both economic and
social benefits of designating the area is paramount to a successful preservation effort. Relatively
simple measures like restoring downtown storefronts could generate additional traffic and activity in the
downtown that would make rehabilitation of second stories for commercial or even residential use a
more viable possibility in Tonganoxie’s future. The Shilling Building is one of many in Tonganoxie’s
downtown that is prime for additional use if and when the community makes protecting its historic
resources a priority.
Buchanan & Moody, 20
Bibliography
1. Brand, Stewart. (1994). How Buildings Learn: What happens after they’re built. Penguin Books. New York.
2. City of Tonganoxie. (2013). History of Tonganoxie. < http://www.tonganoxie.org/visitors/history-of-tonganoxie>.
3. Cutler, William G. (1883). History of the State of Kansas. A.T. Andreas. Chicago. 4. Historic Preservation Department. (1 May 1987). Kansas Preservation Plan: Study Unit on the Period
of Exploration and Settlement. Kansas State Historical Society. <http://www.kshs.org/preserve/pdfs/studyunit1_1820_1880s.pdf>.
5. Quisenberry Funeral Home. (2011). <www.quisenberryfh.com>. 6. Kansas Department of Banking. (1 September 1918). Biennial Report of the Bank Commissioner of
the State of Kansas, Volume 14. 7. Lenahan, John Cass, Sr. (1981). Yesteryears : a pictorial history of the Tonganoxie community. Self
Published. 8. National Parks Service. (1990). National Register Bulletin # 15, “How to Apply the National Register
Criteria for Evaluation.” 9. National Parks Service. (2000). Preservation Brief, No. 1, “Cleaning and Water-Repellent Treatments
for Historic Masonry Buildings.” 10. Ibidem. (2000). Preservation Brief, No. 2, “Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings.” 11. Ibidem. (1990). National Register Bulletin, Vol. 4, “Roofing for Historic Buildings.” 12. Ibidem. (2000). Preservation Brief, No. 9, “The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows.” 13. Ibidem. (2000). Preservation Brief, No. 11, “Rehabilitating Historic Storefronts.” 14. Ibidem. (2000). Preservation Brief, No. 18, “Rehabilitating Interiors in Historic Buildings.” 15. Ibidem. (2000). Preservation Brief, No. 32, “Making Historic Properties Accessible.” 16. Ibidem. (2000). Preservation Brief, No. 44, “The Use of Awnings on Historic Buildings.” 17. Northeast Kansas Memory Basket: Tonganoxie. Tonganoxie Street Views. 18. Shilling, Roger and Phyllis. (18 November 2013). Personal Interview. 19. Tonganoxie, Kansas [map]. (1913). Scale not given. "Kansas Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps". Kenneth
Spencer Research Library.
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