Addition to the Coulter Block

Not all architectural commissions are large new marquis buildings.  In fact, a majority of an architect's practice typically consists of minor additions, alterations and miscellaneous design consulting work.  Typically absent from architectural monographs, these works are usually the bread and butter for most firms.

In 1891, Silsbee was commissioned by a drygoods store owner to add a new floor and complete renovations for this store in Aurora, Illinois.  The addition almost seamlessly blends with the previous building, a 3-story Italianate commercial block built in 1874.