The Schmit Hotel, orginially known as the Dominique Lalanne Store and Residence, was built in 1886 and served as a residential and cmmercial space until the 1950's. The three-story brick structure has stepped-gable end walls, which makes it appear to have been strongly influenced by Dutch Colonial architecture typical of that of New York's Hudson River Valley. The building was made of some 375,000 bricks, handmade in Washington, Louisiana. Daily World. (September 2, 1976).