Callas Sweet Shop
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| Callas Sweet Shop | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Address | 420 Frederica Street |
| City | Owensboro |
| State | Kentucky |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1921 |
| Style | Beaux-Arts |
| Owner | Mrs. Mike Callas (at time of listing) |
| Current use | Commercial |
| National Register of Historic Places | |
| Reference # | 86001427 |
| Listed | 1986 |
| Criteria | Criterion C (architecture) |
| Period | 1921 |
The Callas Sweet Shop (also known as the Callas Building) is a two-story Beaux-Arts commercial building located at 420 Frederica Street in Owensboro, Kentucky. Built in 1921, it is noted for possessing the only surviving complete terra cotta tile front in downtown Owensboro. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 as part of the Owensboro Multiple Resource Area.
Description
Squeezed between two larger structures, the elegant Beaux-Arts Callas Building features buff-colored terra cotta and tile decorative elements including brackets, shields, and cornices that create a simple, classical appearance. Framed by tiled piers, the recessed storefront on the first floor retains its central entranceway and transom windows. The entranceway is flanked by large display windows resting on marble panels. The word CALLAS is carved into terra cotta panels directly above the storefront.
The second story is dominated by a row of three window bays framed by a slightly projecting tiled window surround. The second story is topped by a bracketed cornice resting on slightly projecting panels. The building front rises to a curvilinear parapet wall highlighted by a central ornamented shield. The interior retains the original counter and ice cream booths, with walls covered with enlargements of postcards from the early 1900s showing early scenes of downtown Owensboro.
History
The original owner, a European immigrant, came to Owensboro as a young man and began his career shining shoes. His first confectionery, called Progress Candy, was located on Main Street in a rented building. In 1921 he built his Sweet Shop on Frederica Street, next door to the Empress Theater. When Callas's health failed, the shop was rented to Barney Elliott, who added sandwiches to the menu. The Callas Sweet Shop became an Owensboro institution.
Significance
The building achieves its architectural significance as the only surviving example of a complete terra cotta tile front in downtown Owensboro. It is particularly notable for its restrained classical elegance, lacking the overly elaborate detailing of many Beaux-Arts structures.
References
- Kentucky Heritage Council. National Register of Historic Places Nomination: Owensboro Multiple Resource Area. Frankfort: Kentucky Heritage Council, 1985.