Fort Des Moines Historic Complex, Building Nos. 61-62, Des Moines, Polk County, IA

Significance: This double two-story unit, identical in construction to those discussed previously, fronted on Gruber Street and the south side of the parade ground. The structure cost $58,551.73 when completed on November 15, 1904. Like the other barracks, it had brick walls, slate roof, and limestone foundation. The brick was joined in running bond with red-pigmented mortar. The main building measures 71 feet 8 inches by 39 feet 4 inches. Two wings join either end of the main building; they each measure 39 feet 4 inches by 103 feet 4 inches. The structure, adhering to Plan 75G of the Quartermaster General's Office, originally had a two-tiered porch with roof extending along the front of the main building and the adjoining wings. Turned wooden columns supported the second level of the porch and its roof, and metal railings ran between the columns. On the front of the main building, double doors with 6-light transoms at each level were located near the wings. Two stairways led from the ground up onto the lower porch. At each level were six double hung windows, each with four lights. At the back side of the main building another two-tiered porch was attached.
Survey number: HABS IA-121-I
Building/structure dates: 1904 Initial Construction
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 74000805