Italianate in design, this building is a local rarity for having an original facade that is intact. The cast iron columns and the exuberant arches and capitals were made locally.

"Louden M'f'g Works Fairfield Iowa" is cast into the bottom of the columns, which predates the Louden Machinery Company.  More photos here.

The paneled millwork under the windowsills is original. Many of the buildings around the square had this style of storefront in the early days.

Typically an awning was above the store windows, with the sign above the awning.