Bessemer City Hall and Community Building

This craggy stone building was designed by Nelson (1893–1949) of Ironwood in a free and fluid vernacular interpretation of Tudor Revival. A broad central gable with half timbering laid vertically and infilled with stucco embraces a smaller battered gable containing the main double door. An oriel window also graces the front. The glass blocks and the windows were modern touches. The Bessemer City Hall and Community Building holds city offices, the fire department, and a public auditorium. The project was paid for with federal CWA and WPA funds and with city funds. The building demonstrates the artistic ability of this very interesting Ironwood architect, who studied architecture by correspondence with a technical school in Sweden, from where he emigrated, and learned through on-the-job experience. Nelson was also an artist known for his imaginative pen-and-ink sketches.