Building Name: Evanston Block, aka Evans

Block Address: 629 North River Street, Hot Springs, SD 57747 Date Built: 1905 for $8000 without upper level finishings.

First Occupant: I. H. Chase

Current Occupant: Chautauqua Artisans 1st floor, Evanston Suites upper level.

Sandstone Quarry: Evans

Architect: Mr. Rooney

Contractor: B. M. Bond and John M. Cruickshank Architectural Style: Rooney, the architect, utilized (probably for the 1st time in the city) a stamp pressed tin cornice with dentils. Three sets of windows on the second story are encased with smooth-faced sandstone with quoins. Slightly projecting pilasters appear at the front faced corners with capitals. Described as “all glass without piers making it a magnificent show window.”

History: The Evanston was built under contract for Mrs. Fred T. Evans in 1905 a block north of the Evans Hotel. Evans, who also built the Evans Plunge, died in 1902. The lower front was all glass without piers, making it a magnificent show window.

March 24, 1905: The cornerstone of the new Evans block was laid under auspices of the Minnekahta club. Stone contained a copy of the Star and Harold paper showing proprietors, architects and contractors names, record of Minnekahta Club and a series of silver coins of the U.S. in use that day. Isaac Henry Chase leased the main level as a storeroom.

June 1908: Second story ready for occupancy. Office suites with 10 rooms and restrooms, including the law offices of S.E. and C.A. Wilson and a small rooming house which Lou Telander operated as the Miller Hotel for more than 30 years.

September 1915: Hunter Mercantile, which sold groceries, clothing and other merchandise moved into the building formerly occupied by Chase. It became a casualty of the depression, and the figures were sold at sheriff’s auction.

December 15, 1931: Sheriff’s sale - stock and fixtures of Hunter Co. for taxes. Dec. 17, 1931.

August 1931: Benson & Joyce Mortuary moved to Evanston building.

1960’s: L. W. Englebert purchased the building and modernized the upstairs. He then sold it to Ernie Sonsa who owned it into the 1970’s.

1976: A complete lumber supply retail outlet under management of Tom Aaberg and Wally Braun. Miami stone and smaller windows have been installed in the store front.

October 1979: Obtained by Carol Goddard who received a $7500 grant from the Main Street Project and the Historic Preservation Center in Vermillion to restore the store front to its original design.

March 2016: Bought by Gary and Terry Slagel. Upper level renovated into 4 separate apartments and lower level restored and presently occupied by a cooperative called Chautauqua Artisans

January 2022: Purchased by River St Land Co. Retail Chautauqua Artisans and Fall River Fibers in 1st floor. 4 Air BnB Evanston Suites in upper level.

September 2024: Chautauqua Artisans relocated to 501 N. River St. The owners of the building (River St Land Co.) have moved in Harvey’s Homestead Supply store.

QR Code Info: The Evanston Block was built in 1905 for $8000 without upper level finishings, by Mrs. Fred T. Evans. Mr. Evans, who also built the Evans Plunge, died in 1902. The lower front was all glass without piers, making it a magnificent show window. The cornerstone of the new Evans block was laid under auspices of the Minnekahta club, contained a copy of the Star and Harold paper showing proprietors, architects and contractors names, record of Minnekahta Club and a series of silver coins of the U.S. in use that day. Isaac Henry Chase leased the main level as a storeroom.