The Fisher-Plane Commercial Building is locally significant as a fine example of Italianate commercial architecture. Located at 119 and 121 1st Street East in Independence, Iowa, it is one of a group of similar buildings which forms the southern wall of the business district. The original plat of Independence was in the traditional town square pattern. However, commercial activity was localized outside of that area near the Wapsipinicon River and the mills which took advantage of the water power. Therefore, the business district in Independence developed originally as a strip of stores which led to the bridge over the river and the mills located on the west bank. NRHP, 8 March 1997