J. S. Block Building, also known as the Ferd Levi Building, is a historic commercial building in Monroe, Louisiana. Built in 1893, it became notable as the headquarters for Jacob Bloch's pioneering mail-order liquor business.

J. S. Block Building
J.S. Block Building is located in Louisiana
J.S. Block Building
Location101 N. Grand St., Monroe, Louisiana
Built1893
Architectural styleNo Style Listed
NRHP reference No.80001747
Added to NRHPSeptember 30, 1980

History edit

Jacob Bloch, a Monroe businessman, established one of the first mail-order liquor dealerships in the city at this location. Bloch's enterprise, which operated around the turn of the 20th century, capitalized on the mail-order market during the rise of Prohibition.[1]

Featuring a blend of elaborate cast-iron Corinthian columns and a decorative iron shop front, the building is a fine example of late 19th-century commercial architecture.[2]

Bloch was a significant figure in Monroe, serving on the City Council and being involved in local banking and civic activities. After the end of his liquor business, the building housed various establishments, maintaining its historic character.

References edit

  1. ^ "Block, J. S., Building - Monroe, Louisiana - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com". www.waymarking.com. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
  2. ^ "National Register of Historic Places Inventory - Nomination Form: J. S. Block Building". National Park Service. Retrieved 2023-12-07.