Lawler Motor Company Building

The Lawler Motor Company Building, located in St. Joseph, Missouri, is a historic commercial structure built in 1913, notable for its trapezoidal shape and brick architecture. Originally serving as an automobile showroom and service center, it operated as a Ford dealership from 1917 to 1928, founded by Michael Patrick Lawler, who had a close relationship with Henry Ford. The building's history includes a significant moment when Lawler attempted to advocate for a Ford assembly plant in St. Joseph, which was ultimately rejected, leading to its establishment in Kansas City instead. After years of neglect, the building was renovated by the owners of River Bluff Brewing Company and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, making it a point of interest for both tourists and researchers exploring automotive history and local heritage.