Property Record
102-104 N ATWOOD AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | John Watson Duplex |
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| Other Name: | Frank A. Reighard Building |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 49916 |
| Location (Address): | 102-104 N ATWOOD AVE |
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| County: | Rock |
| City: | Janesville |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1876 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19892014 |
| Historic Use: | duplex |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Prospect Hill Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 11/5/1992 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 7/22/1992 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | This two story building features a rectangular shaped plan configuration, an unspecified stone foundation, a buff colored brick exterior, a wood trim and an asphalt shingled hip roof. The structure exhibits design elements characteristic of the Italianate style. The flat roof, overhanging eaves, semicircular window hoods, double doors with glass panels, the tall first floor windows, and the design of the porch are characteristic of the Italianate style. Originally functioning as a duplex, this present day apartment building is in good condition. It was owned in 1982 by Williams Appartments, P.O. Box 834, in Janesville. (According to the Intensive Survey Form, this duplex has a photo code and map code each of which is RO 76/32). Also related to this building is a garage; no photo code of this structure was given in the Intensive Survey form. Historic Statement: This building was constructed in about 1870 on land owned by John Watson, a native of England who settled in Janesville in 1855. (See Bib. Ref. A, B). Upon arriving, he established a contracting business. Among the buildings and structures which he built are a store for J. J. R. Pease, the Jackman Block, numerous dwellings, the race and lower cotton mill, and numerous railroad structures in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He is believed to have built this duplex. (See Bib. Ref. G). The building was subsequently owned by Orion Sutherland, Watson's son-in-law and a successful Janesville merchant. The building is architecturally significant in that it represents a type, period, or method of construction. It is historically significant in that it is associated not only with significant historical events, but also with the development of a locality. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Assessment Rolls: 1870, 1880, 1890. B. City Directories: 1871, 1880, 1890. C. Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County. D. The History of Rock County. E. Italianate House of Janesville Thematic Resource. F. 1876 date of construction: Tax Rolls. G. Architect/Builder source: County Histories. "Cultural Resources Report For the Proposed Talman House Telecommunications Facility in Janesville, Rock County, Wisconsin." WHS Project #14-0719/RO. June 2014. Prepared by Marcy Prchal. The Janesville Historic Commission, Janesville, WI, The Prospect Hill & Conrad Cottages Historic Districts: A Guide, 1992. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |