White Building

What is White Building?

The building rises five stories in red brick, with an elaborate pattern of windows across its front. On its west side a three-story extension connects to it, and that wing probably predates the main building. The design follows the Commercial style, and the building is also classed with the Chicago School, the tradition of tall, well-lit business blocks that grew up in late 19th-century Chicago.

Its street address spans five storefront numbers along East Douglas Street, a sign of how much frontage the building takes up, and its five stories of brick give it a strong presence on the block.

History of White Building

Samuel R. White, a Bloomington resident, put up the building in 1894–1895 as the home of his furniture sales company. The White company later moved to a site nearby, and by 1903 the pharmacy of the Heberling Brothers, along with their related businesses, filled most of the space. That is where the building's second name comes from. Its National Register listing dates from June 1994.

Visiting White Building: tips

The building is about 0.2 miles from the old road, in the middle of downtown. Its present use is not recorded, so view it from the sidewalk; the brick front and windows are the main thing to see. It pairs well with the McLean County Museum of History, about 0.2 miles away, and Franklin Square, about 0.3 miles off. The East Grove Street District is about 0.4 miles away, and a meal is available close by.