History

611-617 S. Fourth St. was built in 1928 by real estate firm Wright and Taylor, Inc. Marion E. Taylor began his real estate ventures in the early 1900’s. During prohibition he shifted the focus of Wright & Taylor Distillers to real estate. In 1984, the Wright and Taylor building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s recognized for its use of glazed architectural terra cotta in the Tudor-Gothic motif and was considered a marvel in its day for its use of creative and colorful shapes and motifs.

Photos dating back to 1929 show 4 main retail spaces on the ground level with 2nd floor businesses appearing mid-century. The building’s units remained active with a variety of retail establishments through the 1960’s before eventually falling vacant like many spaces on 4th St.

After an extensive renovation, in 2014 Mercury Ballroom opened as a live music venue and special event space. Reminders of early tenants Le Chic Co. women’s apparel (inlaid geometrical stone) and Taylor’s Travel Store (branded mosaic tile) can still be seen in the north vestibule of the building.