Benson Confectionery / Washington State Liquor Store
Address: 16 Northwest Front Street
Date of Construction: 1916
Modifications made in: 1970
Original Use: Commercial/Residence
2006 Use: Commercial/Residence
Public Accessibility: Yes, limited
History: This building was constructed in 1916 for Sam and Nellie Benson. They operated a gift store and confectionery on the main floor and lived in an apartment on the second floor. Various owners continued to operate the confectionery until the early 1970’s. A new concrete foundation was placed under the building and modifications made to the front façade in the 1970’s.
Description: False Front commercial. Wood frame set on concrete foundation; rectangle; 4 bays wide; 2-stories; asbestos shingle siding on south façade; shiplap siding on east and west facades; tar-papered flat roof; center recessed entrance on south façade with new wood and diamond-pane glass door. Exterior features include large 4-pane fixed sash flanking main entrance; new aluminum sliding sash on south façade; 1/1 double-hung sash on east façade.
