Property Record
10 N 3RD AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Merchants Exchange Bank |
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| Other Name: | Merchants Exchange Bank |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 49698 |
| Location (Address): | 10 N 3RD AVE |
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| County: | Door |
| City: | Sturgeon Bay |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1906 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 20051982 |
| Historic Use: | bank/financial institution |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | Unknown |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | H.A. Foeller |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Third Avenue Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 10/6/1983 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | A 'site file' 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. Architectural Statement This former bank building anchors the corner of an intact commercial blockface within the District. A typical "Bank Type" of the turn of the century, the late Classical Revival detailing in stone and terracotta at the cornice and the carved limestone of the primary entry surround are of architectural interest. This two-story, brick (pressed) building has been extensively and sympathetically rehabilitated by the present owners. It is the least altered of this style of building within the District and is one of only two similarly detailed (108 s. Madison) in Sturgeon Bay. Historical Statement 2 Cedar Street-1911. The Merchants Exchange Bank acquired the property above noted but constructed no building on the vacant lot until 1906. In 1806 a small, probably temporary structure was installed (valued at $100). In 1908 a $10,900 building was completed, raising the total property value to $12,000. George Spear helped organize and build the Merchants Exchange Bank in 1881. He became a bank partner in 1886 and in 1906-1908 helped construct the building. Spear had originally been involved with boat building and sawmill operations. The bank failed during the Great Depression of the 1930's. William A. Lawrence also played an important role in the affairs of the Merchants Exchange Bank. Notes from Stanley Green, 10/82: This was the second site occupied by the Merchants Exchange Bank when it reorganized under that name in 1891. Prior to that it had been the Nelson-Spear Bank (59 N. 3rd) built in 1888 by George Spear and destroyed by fire in 1935. Mr. Spear had nothing to do with the construction of the new bank in 1908. Previously surveyed in 1982, updated photo in 2005. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. In stonework on the facade. B. Sanborn-Perris Maps of Sturgeon Bay 1904-1911. C. Tax rolls - City of Sturgeon Bay. D. Kahlert, Early Door County Buildings, p. 83-84. Take a Walk on Main Street: Historic Walking Tours in Wisconsin's Main Street Communities, Wisconsin Main Street Program, 1998. The Improvement Bulletin 6/2/1906. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |