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If you’ve driven down
East Lafayette lately, you can’t help but notice the activity at 112 and 114. Karne
and Kat Semrau purchased the building with dreams of restoring and redesigning the
building; creating an art gallery. Months later, with many hours of work, discussion, more
sweat, and a few words with the “powers that be” on design, etc..., on November
23rd, 2002 they saw their dream become a
reality. Along with works from many artists, visitors will find items from the past; for
example, the original doors from J.C. Penny’s former downtown store will be used in
the building. Speaking of the past, the
following is a brief history of the two buildings that now make up “Art Under a Hot
Tin Roof.” The building located at 114 E. Lafayette was originally a general
merchandise store, built in the 1840's. During the Civil War it managed to stay open, like
many of the stores east of Market ( North Highland ), but according to newspaper reports,
all the stores were raided at one time or another. In the city directory of 1872, Smith
and Stegall were listed at this address. They were grocers, commission merchants, and
wholesale dealers in whiskies, wines, etc. The 1880's is the first time I was able to find
the existence of a building at 112 E Lafayette. It was described as a two story, shotgun
style building. Like 114, it had sleeping rooms on the second floor. The first merchants were also general merchandise,
then it became a clothing store. Both of these buildings had many tenants and I am sure
the Semrau’s will atest to the fact that each tenant had their own taste in wall coverings.
Other occupants included A.J.
Strasberg and Hal R. Moore, Talior’s, in 1904. 1923 residents were Samples Shoes and
Jackson Jewelry. In 1935, Jackson Jewelry was still at 114 but Fannye’s Dress Shop
was at 112. In the early 40's I found Fannye’s Dress Shop still holding on, but 114
was the new home of Albert’s Slipper Shop. In the late 50's, the wall was removed
between the stores and the ceiling was lowered, creating Albert’s Wearing Apparel for
Women. When Albert’s closed it’s
doors, the building was vacant for awhile, then in the late 90's until the Semrau’s
purchased the property, Sally’s Beauty Supply occupied the space. Now with all the layers of
wallpaper removed, the beautiful tin ceiling tile uncovered and the floors refinished, the
building is coming back to life. The first floor will be used as a gallery. German made
glass windows that fold back will open the gallery to the public. The second |