Hammond Landmarks: Herschbach Motor Corporation Building

5603 Hohman Ave: 1929 Art Deco former showroom for the Herschbach Motor Corporation

This imposing red building was one of the first structures to catch my eye during my first visit to downtown Hammond. I could immediately tell that it was once an automobile showroom. If the relief panel in the parapet depicting an vintage car hood and airplane didn't give it away, the large floor length display windows (now infilled with block) fronting Hohman Ave.were common in auto showrooms of the period. Overall this building has a very similar form to the many former showrooms that still exist along the Motor Row section of South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, and I would not be surprised if one of those same architects designed this Art Deco gem.

According to the Hammond Times, where it was included in ads from 1938 and 1940, this building was home to the Herschbach Motor Corporation. Herschbach sold Ford vehicles and was founded in 1927. According to tax records, this building was constructed in 1929, so it is very likely that Herschbach was it's first occupant.


The ads found in the Hammond Times suggest that by 1963, Herschbach had relocated to 6752 Indianapolis Boulevard, no doubt following the increasing business growth and pass-by traffic along US-41. They remained in business until at least 1972; today the Indianapolis Blvd. site is occupied by EZPawn. Following Herschbach's move, 5603 Hohman became the local dealership for J.J. Wright Oldsmobile, a Lansing, IL company.

A slightly blurry postcard snapshot of Herschbach's in their two locations: Hohman Ave. at top, Indianapolis Blvd. below. Photo courtesy of Harvey's Restaurant, who are located across the street and possess many great historic photographs.

 Today the building retains it's association with automobiles as the home to Carlen Automotive Restyling. It may be a little worse for wear, but the original details shine through:

This relief panel, depicting a period car and airplane is centered over the building entrance.

Paint chipping from the Art Deco patterns that repeat along the parapet reveal that the building's distinct color is only a coating. It is actually faced in carved limestone, which by the historic postcard above was most likely unpainted while Herschbach occupied the building.

Looking up at the repetition of the upper facade, featuring an Art Deco frieze above the showroom windows

The view from the southwest reveals the top half of a ramp leading to the building's roof. Automobile showrooms, which often also featured repair shops often had ramps like these connecting all floors for transporting cars. The ramp to the roof may have enabled storing cars on the roof, or may have been built anticipating a future third floor.