Muir Block, 901 South Main Street; 1891; contributing
This is a two-story two-part commercial block building of brick construction, located on a corner lot, with two storefronts on the first story; the storefronts are altered but generally retain the original window-to-wall ratio. Centered on the first story is a single door accessing the second floor. The upper façade incorporates two large segmental-arched window openings with replacement window units, capped with voussoirs of one course of brick. Between these windows is a pair of round-arched windows, also with replacement sash and capped with voussoirs of Roman brick. Ornamental corbeled brickwork and beltcourses of stone and terra cotta further define the upper façade, which is capped with a modest metal cornice with a flat parapet. Corner pilasters are finished in stylized pointed motifs of metal. A seam in the brick on the north elevation suggests that an early addition was made on the rear (east) elevation; its finishes replicate those on the original building. An original name stone which bore the name “MUIR BLOCK” has been removed; its former presence was noted in 1987 survey documents...
Built for Ralph Muir who was a local ice dealer and in 1873 was the first depositor in the Bank of Joplin. For decades a boot and shoe store was on the first floor, including Baum’s Boots (later Baum’s Shoe Store), operated by Ben Baum whose store was located here into the 1950s.
The building appears to be in fair to good condition and is currently used as a used furniture store.