Luepke Florist: A Century of Blooms and Civic Leadership
historic place
Luepke Florist, located at the northwest corner of Washington and 13th streets in downtown Vancouver, Washington, holds over a century of history. The Luepke family business began as a flower stand in 1909, founded by Frank and Edla Luepke. In July 1937, the first shop was destroyed by fire. The current L-shaped Moderne concrete building was then constructed. Designed by architect Donald J. Stewart, the original section was completed in 1937, with an addition finished around 1945. Rudolph "Rudy" Luepke, son of the founders, inherited the business and oversaw the building's construction. Rudy Luepke was a significant civic and commercial leader, serving as national president of the FTD Association and as Mayor of Vancouver from 1962 to 1966. The building is recognized for its Moderne architecture. It was listed on the Clark County Heritage Register in 2015 and on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. Luepke Florist represents a notable example of early 20th-century commercial architecture and the legacy of a prominent Vancouver family and civic leader.