Today’s installment from “Throwback Thursday” takes us to the unit block of West First Avenue on the north side.
In 1926, the Mutual Building and Loan association decided to build a new, unique little office building at 14 W. First Ave. W. P. Kinkel was in charge.
It opened in March of 1928 with renters like Mutual Bldg. and Loan, Wholesaler Printing, Green Dragon Coffee Shoppe, Rosier Oil and C.I.T. Automobile Finance Co.
In 1929, the Mutual Co. changed its name to the Valley Federal Savings and Loan. The first photo shows the building during the 1941 flood. The building continued for many years, mostly renting to financial companies.
In 1957, Valley Federal built a new building at 11th Avenue and Main Street and moved there. After that, 14 W. First Ave. continued with financial companies like Mid Plains Financial, Home Credit Co. and Gagnebin Collection, Barclay’s American Financial and Associates Financial Services.
The building closed and was sold to Bill Leslie about 1990 and he created Catalyst Creations Advertising Services there. In 2014, Brian Davis and Anne Lauer purchased the building and converted it to loft-style apartments.
In 2020, Barry and Gale Wall bought the building. The second photo shows the building today at 14 W. First Ave, now named Catalyst Lofts & Extended Stays, specializing in corporate travel stays.
