Saved
from a date with the wrecking ball, the Landmark Center
lives up to its name in both its former, and its current
life. The building was erected just as the 20th century
was starting. The American Midwest was a bustling
commercial region still developing, and in need of
a Federal courthouse. The Landmark Center opened as
the United States Courthouse and Post Office, dispensing
justice to the region, and stamps to the locals. Among
those who found justice here were such notorious names
as John Dillinger, Machine Gun Kelly, and Baby Face
Nelson. The building served its function well, and
was heavily used. Perhaps too heavily, because it
became run down and eventually a decision was made
to pull it down just 70 years into its life. That's
when local groups got involved. They turned their
beloved spired building into an arts center, helping
foster the region's creative community into one of
the most vibrant in the country. In fact, the building
looks better now than it did when it opened. Back
then, the interior courtyard could not be appreciated
because it was covered by a layer of catwalks so supervisors
could keep an eye on the Post Office employees. Today,
tour groups can appreciate the rooms. Done in various
styles rich in marble and mahogany, they represent
the best that could be had at the time. One even sports
a stained glass dome.
