Gruwell-Crew Building

Built by two prominent local businessmen in 1894 - Mayor S.C. Gruwell and J.C. Crew - a dry goods store owner. It is a reminder of the early commercial era in downtown West Branch. In 1912, the building housed a harness shop. A variety store was opened in 1960 and in 1964, the building was deeded to the West Branch Heritage Foundation for use as a museum. In 1996, a Main Street Iowa Challenge grant supported a restoration project to preserve the historic structure with major work being done to the building. Today, the West Branch Heritage Museum can still be enjoyed at this location.