Taylor Apartments
Why it's listed
Built in 1916 at 117 South Grand Avenue West in Springfield, this three-story brick building holds six apartments, two per floor, and is paired with a three-car brick garage. Dr. Percy L. Taylor, a retired city physician, began construction along the streetcar route leading toward Washington Park, apparently as an income property. The building reflects the apartment boom that followed rapid population growth in Springfield, when six-flats, four-flats and two-flats became common near downtown. Its exterior is plain, with patterned brickwork and limestone belt courses and sills. Inside, stained oak trim, built-in bookshelves and cabinets, glazed doors and an original floor plan show Arts and Crafts influence. The original wood windows survive, and the enclosed front porches, probably altered in the 1950s, are not considered to harm its integrity. It has been rented continuously since it was built, and it is valued locally as a representative six-flat and as evidence of the city's western growth.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building reflects Springfield's early apartment boom and the westward expansion of the city along streetcar lines toward Washington Park. It is also presented as a good local example of the six-flat type, with Arts and Crafts influence in its interior and a largely intact original plan.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 04000976, listed September 15, 2004. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 117 S. Grand Ave. W, Springfield |
|---|---|
| County | Sangamon County |
| Listed | September 15, 2004 |
| Reference number | 04000976 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1916 |
| Architectural style | Other: Six Flat |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Community Planning and Development, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Continuously used as rental property since construction; the form lists its current function as multiple dwelling and reports few alterations. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 39.78926, -89.65608 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 04000976.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q20709619
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.