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at least half a decade.
The Baum building was the first of three “skyscraper” buildings designed by
Jenny, Mundie and Jensen in Danville. The façade was constructed of granite
and Bedford limestone and reflected the Classical Revival style with a lobby
lined with Italian white marble. Located on a downtown corner, the Temple
building was remarkable as an excellent example of Classical Revival style
and for its massive presence at six stories high, five bays wide, and eight
bays deep.
The City of Danville used a Certified Local Government grant to have a
National Register nomination prepared for the Temple building, which was
subsequently listed in December 2000. By spring of 2001 the city decided to
demolish both buildings despite public outcry and potential rehabilitation
solutions. In order to finance the demolition, the City borrowed $1.5
million against a property tax increase.
A park now occupies the former site of the Temple Building incorporating a
fragment of the building’s entrance. No development plans are known for the
Baum Building vacant lot.
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