1878, Fridolin Heer, Sr. 1640 Main St.
The French Second Empire style enjoyed great popularity in Iowa (as it did throughout the country) in the decade of the late 1860s and on through the 1870s. In this example, a sidehall plan, Fridolin Heer used the solidity of masonry to suggest permanence and presence. The mansard roof is heavily divided into individual planes by molding on the edges and eaves. The roof springs from a sizable bracketed entablature and cornice; the dormers within the roof, whether rectangular or circular, are surrounded by heavy moldings. The structure of the house consists of double brick walls, with an airspace between. The architect provided two separate heating systems, one using hot water, the other gravity flow hot air.