Property Record
845 N VAN BUREN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | St. John Cathedral Convent |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | St. John Cathedral High School |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 113478 |
| Location (Address): | 845 N VAN BUREN ST |
|---|---|
| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1926 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 200420102021 |
| Historic Use: | elementary, middle, jr.high, or high |
| Architectural Style: | German Renaissance Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Peacock & Frank |
| 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: | A 'site file' titled "St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Cathedral Complex" exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. 36/11a is a view of convent garden and cloister. Last surveyed in 1984 with a map code of 138/20. 2004 surveyed as St. John's Cathedral complex. Map code is for the whole complex. Resurveyed as part of Milwaukee Downtown Connector Arch/History Survey (2010), Prepared by Heritage Research. DOE completed for entire St John's complex by Heritage Research (2011). 2010: This religious complex occupies an entire block and consists of five buildings bounded by N. Jackson Street tot he west, E. Wells Street to the south, N. Van Buren Street to the east, and E. Kilbourn Avenue to the north. The complex includes the National Register-listed St. John the Evangelical Roman Catholic Cathedral building at 812 N. Jackson (#27243), as well as the following buildings (which were not accessed as part of the 1974 NRHP nomination): a rectory building located at 802 N. Jackson (#113494); a gymnasium at 840 N. Jackson (#113512); and a school and convent located at 831 N. Van Buren (#113479) and 845 N. Van Buren (#113478). The complex has experienced a number of changes since the original construction of the cathedral in 1849. However, the remaining structures are generally intact and represent a substantial part of the parish/complex history. The school and convent were constructed in 1906, with the gymnasium and rectory added in 1955 and 1950, respectively. The rectory has experienced window alterations, although its original form is still intact. Prior to the dedication of the present-day St. John the Evangelical Cathedral in 1853, the congregation was housed by the neighboring church of St. Peters. The congregation a one time maintained a school (grades 1-12), a convent and a rectory. The church and rectory buildings retain their historic functions; however, a part of the school that was located directly north of the church has been demolished. The convent now is known as the "Cathedral Center" and the original school is known as the "Archbishop Weakland Center." The cathedral was designated as an historic landmark by the City of Milwaukee in 1992. 2021 - The St. John Cathedral Convent is located at the southwest corner of Van Buren and Kilbourn. Built in 1926, this rectangular German Renaissance Revival building is three stories tall and constructed of cream brick. The first story features raised brick bands and a stone beltcourse between the first and second stories. A copper cornice and plain brick parapet is found above the third story. The primary façade faces east, and contains a centered entrance with a carved stone surround with a garland frieze. A round arched window opening above the entrance is framed by an ornate pediment and scrolled volutes. A carved stone cross is centered atop the parapet above. A brick walkway with arched openings connects the convent to the school to the south. The convent currently functions as a shelter for women and children. |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | "Historic Designation Study Report of the St. John's Cathedral Complex," Document on file at the City of Milwaukee Historic Preservation Division, Milwaukee, WI |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |