©2008 Historic Downtown Association-St. Charles

220-226 North Main
1906, William B. Rechtern
The Central Building

The Central Building was constructed in 1906 by William B. Rechtern to house the Bruns Machine Co., a hardware and farm implement firm, and his own Wm. B. Rechtern Clothing Co. Professional offices and local organizations utilized the second floor space.

Earlier erected on this site was the Central Mill, built in 1866, and the Constitutional Presbyterian Church, built in 1845 was on the northeast portion of the site. The Central Mill continued to produce flour until 1898 when it was mostly destroyed by fire. Both the Central Mill and the Constitutional Presbyterian Church were demolished during the construction of the Central Building, one of the largest commercial buildings in St. Charles at the time. Traditional cast iron columns and wood framed windows identify the street level and the second story is uniquely decorated above the windows and at the cornice with pressed metal Italianate ornamentation. The Central Building remained in the Rechtern family ownership until 1983.

This classic victorian ‘store block commercial’ was built in 1906 after the original flour mill and adjacent church had burned. Traditional cast iron columns and wood framed windows identify the street level and the full brick two story exterior is uniquely decorated above the windows and at the cornice top with pressed metal italianate ornamentation. The interior has completely modern services, but throughout, the original ceiling heights, windows and ornamental work have been maintained. While the second floor had been ‘condemned’ and vacated in the late 60’s, installation of a complete building sprinkler system and rear exits have permitted the entire 7,000 sq ft on each level to be renovated and fully occupied. The most recent work included hvac systems updates and renovation of the original 1906 tongue and groove fir flooring. (Sharlotte Worthington)