The Spirit of Community in Delano is defined by the
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Lindsley Building
Built 1869
282 Railroad Ave.
The Lindsley Building at 282 Railroad Avenue has been part of Delano’s downtown landscape since 1885, when Joseph Warren Lindsley constructed the handsome two-story brick building to expand his hardware business. Considered one of the finest business blocks in Delano at the time, it featured modern improvements, including an elevator, with the hardware store on the first floor and living quarters above. After leaving the hardware business, Lindsley remodeled the building and opened the Lindsley Hotel in 1909, described as a “thoroughly modern” hostelry. By 1918 it had become known as Packer’s Hotel under James Packer. Although the exact date of its later conversion has not yet been determined, the historic building eventually became apartments and continues to serve as residential housing today.
The elegant building on the corner of Third Avenue and Railroad Avenue was erected in 1885 by Joseph Warren Lindsley to expand his hardware business. He had previously been in the Coolen block on River Street since 1880.
The building was a two story brick, 25 feet front by 70, the lower story being occupied by his hardware store, the upper floor being fitted for a dwelling. It was described as “without a doubt the finest business block in Delano, having been built at a cost of not less than $5,000, and forms a valuable addition to the city’s buildings.”
The building was elegantly finished within, with an elevator and other modern improvements. In 1908 Lindsley decided to quit the hardware business. By 1909 he had opened the Lindsley Hotel...
a “thoroughly modern” two-story hostelry.
By 1918, J.W. Lindsley had retired and moved to Minneapolis. The hotel became known as the Packer's. James Packer was listed as the hotel proprietor in 1920.
The building was converted into apartments along the way, which is still how it is used today.
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