509-511-513 Elm Street

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Evaluation:

This is a non-contributing Elm Street building within the historic district. Identical in massing to 501-507 Elm Street to the east, it represented the post-World War II commercial westward expansion on that key cross street. It was evaluated to be non-contributing due to the complete covering up of its storefronts and parapet level. This building could be determined to be contributing if the underlying exterior materials and detailing were determined and ideally exposed.

District Characteristic	Yes	No	Findings/Recommendations
Two-story brick with narrow mass		X
Larger, broader massing	X
Other key façade features		X	Not determined
Architectural style		X
Prominent location		X
Original façade materials		X	Not determined
Upper fenestration pattern		NA
Sympathetic Storefront Infill		X	Not determined
Brick corbelled parapet		X	Not determined
Cornice/coping (not metal)		X	Not determined

Physical Description:

This building matches its eastern counterpart in terms of massing and contains three storefronts. At present the entire building exterior is covered with metal, wood or stucco. It is of concrete block construction. The plan measures 42 feet by 70 feet.

Documented Alterations:

The original building measured 25 feet by 50 feet so it was enlarged at some point.

Commercial History:

509 Elm Street

Business	Owner	Start	Stop	Notes of Interest
Doerrfield Properties		2015	current
Whatta Dish	June McKay	2002	2012	Painted pottery, also as 511 and shares space with Have a Heart
Have a Heart Collection		2002
Casita Valdez		1995	2000	Mexican menu
Gallardo’s Taco Villa		1988	1995
Burkle’s Elm Street Market	Bob and Kathy Burkle	1983	1985	Specialty Foods, closed by January 1987
Gundelfinger’s Restaurant		1978	1983	Successor to Mortensen’s, dinners of distinction, English club decor
Mortensen’s Restaurant		1970	1977
West Suburb YMCA		1955	1975	Moves from back of 222 Fifth, listed at 511 Elm in 1955 (Express, December 1, 1955).
A-C Ice Cream	Mrs. Jay Brubaker, Mrs. Blanche Alexander	1942	1948	Precinct #2 polling place 1940-1948, moved to Phoenix School (see at 501 Elm-likely 501 is wrong number)
George’s Shoe Repair, Hat Shop		1929		Also uses number to the east-
Hank Chapman, barber				was an original tenant-***where?
	Truman L. Thompson	1946		Truman L. Thompson acquired this property in August 1944 and built this building in 1946 (Express, April 11, 1946).

511 Elm Street

Business	Owner	Start	Stop	Notes of Interest
New Silk Road			current
Diggety Dog	Judy Johnson	2010	2014	And cats too.
The Seven Elements Boutique	Lyn Gibson	2009	2010	To 234 Fifth
Little Padded Seats		2009	2009	To 130A Fifth
Knok-it	Michelle Mireless-Knight	2008		Designer purses, jewelry, shoes and hats
Co-Co’s Boutique	Rhonda Smith, Jon Branson	2007		Purses, jewelry
Aevum Jeweled Creations Co.	Rhene Applegate	2006	2007	To her home, custom jewelry
Have a Heart Collection	Stacey, Steve Edwards	2008		Folk art, shares space with Whatta Dish
Valley Washeria		1980
Frigidaire		1979
Dale[s] [TV and] Radio Electric		1948	1968+	Offers for sale as excellent location for a television company December 1967 due to illness
WDM Radio Service Shop	Frank Jahnke	1944
WDM Heating & Sheet Metal Company	Milton Korle	1943
Church of God revivals		1931	1934	511 is Second Precinct (Valley Twp.) voting place, 1934
Thoma's Photo		1955

513 Elm Street

Business	Owner	Start	Stop	Notes of Interest
The Side Garage			current
Misc.tique	Debbie Schmitz	2015		New November 2-15
Occasional Market		2014
Rustica Home Relics	Dawnrae Kuhn	2012	2014	Repurposed furniture, accessories
Hodge Podge	Carla Atherton	2010		She closed Diva in 2007, from 401 Maple, home décor, accessories
Inspiration Studios	Michael Rouse, Tracy Barton-Rouse	2010	2010	Pet photos, yoga and jewelry
Back Alley Bargains	Denise Thyberg, Kirk Sloan	2009		Overstock, clearance items
Ever After Bridal	Susan Sutherland	2009
Station Antiques	2007	2008		“Always changing, always cheap”
Consign Online	Bob Tyler		2004	Ebay sales on consignment, does house calls.
Out of My Mind Designs	Peri Woltjer		2004	To 304 ½ Fifth,
Santa Fe Trading Company		2002	2002	Southwestern furniture, pottery
E. Claire & Company		2000	2000	Pet supplies
Casey’s Cottage		2000		Sewing, embroidery, monograms
The Creative Coach		1997	1997	To 513 Fifth, custom gifts, dolls
Prezzies		1996		Casual clothing
Outstanding Design	Marj Huber	1993	1995	Complete rubber stamp store
The Baggage Car		1985	1991	Hallmark collectibles
The Golden Thimble		1980	1984
Khanh’s Creations	Lenore Sutler	1979		Concrete block through store window, $300 damage, July
Kitchen Tools		1970	1979
West End Auto Shop		1960	1975
Burke Auto Repair		1955
B & B/Becker appliance and farm accessory store	G. L. Becker	1946		New implement, appliance and farm accessory firm June
[war surplus]		1946		3,000 army tire pumps, February-April
Pappas' Shoes		1944	1950
A. C. Ice Cream		1944	1950
Phillip's Upholstery		1950
Crow’s Service Garage		1934	1939	At 4^th and Walnut 1931-32
Second annual all-school exhibits			1929	In the A. H. Minnis building, May 1929 as this address

West Des Moines, IA

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509-511-513 Elm Street