Ulysses Suites at
J. G. Schmohl Building – circa 1892
Recipient of the 2020 Galena Historic Preservation Award
Schmohl building at 213-215 S Main St
Galena Gazette, March 15, 1911
Early History
- Built circa 1892
- Style: High Victorian Italianate
- J.G. Schmohl purchased the building and then remodeled in 1911, adding a front of steel with galvanized iron and plate glass.
- The first metal front structure in Galena.
- Designed by Mesker Bros. Iron Works in St. Louis
- J. G. Schmohl was the son of John C. and Lena Schmolhl, who emigrated to the United States from Germany in 1852.
- Beginning with a loan of $100 and a stock of goods bought on credit, John C. and Lena Schmohl built a thriving millinery retail business in Galena.
- Their business suffered three disastrous fires, and after each they reopened their store in a new location.
- Lena Schmohl was widely recognized as a driving force behind the business, known for her sharp intelligence, high energy, and retail management skills.
Bay Windows on Upper Floors
Retail Shops on Main Street
Restoration
- The property owner initiated an extensive restoration of the building in 2018.
- Every effort was made to preserve the iconic metal front of the building.
- The brick exterior walls were reinforced and tuckpointed, with period appropriate windows.
- The interior was totally renovated on all floors to create an elegant ambiance.
Ulysses Suites
Entrance on Bench Street
- Entrance to Ulysses Suites lobby at 214 Bench Street
- Seven tastefully decorated private suites occupy the top two floors of building.
- The building received the 2020 Galena Historic Preservation Award from the City of Galena.