Pettit Cleaners Building
A modest commercial structure transformed by modernist design, this Winfield landmark demonstrates the enduring appeal of Streamline Moderne in small-town America.
At a glance
The Pettit Cleaners Building is a mixed-height commercial structure at 114 E. 8th Avenue combining an 1880s foundation with a striking 1947 facade. Architect William N. Canton’s Streamline Moderne redesign gave the utilitarian building contemporary visual presence, preserving its working identity while embracing the optimistic aesthetic of post-war modernism.
History
The original portion dates to circa 1880. In 1947, local architect William N. Canton designed a comprehensive Streamline Moderne facade that updated the aging structure for mid-century commercial use. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, recognizing its architectural significance and role in Winfield’s downtown streetscape.
What you see
The building measures 25 by 145 feet in plan and presents as partially one story and partially two stories. Canton’s Streamline Moderne facade employs the style’s characteristic horizontal lines, smooth surfaces, and curved forms typical of 1940s American commercial design—a bold departure from the nineteenth-century structure beneath.
Cultural significance
This small Winfield building exemplifies how regional architects brought modernist aesthetics to provincial commercial districts. Streamline Moderne, often associated with major urban centers, proved equally appealing to rural communities seeking symbols of progress and contemporary vitality.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Winfield, Kansas
- Address: 114 E. 8th Avenue
- Built: 1947 (original portion c. 1880)
- Architect: William N. Canton
- Dimensions: 25 × 145 feet
- Listed: National Register of Historic Places, 2005
- Coordinates: 37.24138889, −96.99583333
Practical information & getting there
The Pettit Cleaners Building is located in downtown Winfield on East 8th Avenue. Visitors are welcome to view the exterior facade from the street. For information about the building’s interior or special access, contact the Winfield Chamber of Commerce or the Cowley County Historical Society.
Sources & resources
- Pettit Cleaners Building – Wikipedia
- Cultural Heritage Online
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