John Morrell & Company Meat Packing Plant, 316 South Iowa Street, Ottumwa, Wapello County, IA

Significance: John Morrell & Company played a significant role in the development of the City of Ottumwa from 1877 to 1973. The complex typifies meat packing as it developed in the midwest during the last quarter of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century. Building 49 is a good example of the popular Tudor Revival style used for corporate offices, and is representative of John Morrell & Company at a strong point in its business life. Buildings 27B and 15 represent the second generation of buildings in the complex and reflect the growth of the industry, the financial stability of the company and the optimism of its management. Both are good examples of meat packing design from the period, although both are unusual in the Art Moderne/Deco feel to their exteriors. Building 27B's outstanding facade design is noteworthy.
Survey number: HAER IA-34