Ulysses Suites at
J. G. Schmohl Building – circa 1892

Recipient of the 2020 Galena Historic Preservation Award

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Schmohl building at 213-215 S Main St
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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.

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Bay Windows on Upper Floors

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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

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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.