Property Record
1251 E WASHINGTON AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Gisholt Machine Co. offices |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | Independence Center |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 102665 |
| Location (Address): | 1251 E WASHINGTON AVE |
|---|---|
| County: | Dane |
| City: | Madison |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1911 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2001 |
| Historic Use: | large office building |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Claude & Starck |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | This manufacturing complex was constructed for the Gisholt Machine Company. Founded in 1889 by John A. Johnson, the Gisholt Machine Company originally manufactured machine tools, lathes, and metal grinders with a staff of sixty-five at a facility located at 1400 E Mifflin Street. The business grew at a steady pace and established an office in Berlin, Germany, in 1889. Two years later, the firm moved its operation to its new factory building located at 1301 E Washington Avenue. In 1911, the company constructed a Neoclassical office building at 1251 E Washington Avenue. During the early twentieth century, Gisholt produced machines used to fabricate automobile parts as well as heavy weaponry and had numerous clients throughout the United States and Europe. By 1916, the company had grown to become Madison's largest industrial facility and paid the second highest state corporate income tax outside of Milwaukee. In 1946, the firm added a third significant facility to its complex by constructing an engineering building located at 1245 E Washington Avenue. It was designed by the firm of Law, Law, Potter, & Nystrom. By 1953, Gisholt enjoyed an international reputation for its turret lathes and the company employed 1,650 people. |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | City directories. Tax records. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |