The Duhamel Building
522 Sixth Street
The finest example of Chicago Style architecture in Rapid City is the 1909 Duhamel Building, at St. Joseph and Sixth Streets. Built by local entrepreneur Peter Duhamel, it expressed the trend toward modernism by using reinforced steel framing. The load-bearing capacity allows for expansive window surfaces, stability for large flat roofs, and immense open spaces desirable in commercial buildings.
Born in 1839 in Canada, Pete Duhamel moved to Rapid City in 1879. He established the Duhamel Company in 1907. The company sold hardware items, home furnishings, and a line of saddles that were famous throughout the region.