Benson Building

The History

Formerly known as the Warnock Building and then The Benson Building, 705 Douglas Street is now on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1920 this six story brick and terra cotta building was constructed by W.A. Klinger, for his father-in-law Mr. William Warnock to house his business the Warnock Company. Mr. Klinger had just returned from World War I and later became the owner of a prominent construction company. The Warnock was Klinger’s first commercial work. The Warnock Company was in the business of manufacturing sheet metal farm products, and wholesaling automotive supplies. By 1903, Warnock became a Ford dealer and, at one time, the company was credited with being one of the largest Ford dealers in the West. The building’s tall storefront windows made an ideal space for displaying the latest Ford models. At the time of construction, the Warnock building was considered one of the city’s finest office buildings and one of the finest buildings in the state for displaying automobiles. Notable features include terra cotta medallions with the letter “W” flanked by two torches.