Property Record
106 S MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Commercial Company Building |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | Merwin's Fashions |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 54365 |
| Location (Address): | 106 S MAIN ST |
|---|---|
| County: | Fond du Lac |
| City: | Fond du Lac |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1930 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1988 |
| Historic Use: | large office building |
| Architectural Style: | Art Deco |
| Structural System: | Unknown |
| Wall Material: | Stone - Unspecified |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | South Main Street Historic District |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date: | 3/11/1993 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 2/8/1993 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | This eight story Art Deco building is constructed of brick with a front wall facing of limestone veneer. The building is devoid of detail, although its vertical emphasis is accented by shallow pilasters on the upper floor and a raised roofline at the center of the building. Windows are all double hung sashes with two vertical muntins in each light. The first floor storefront has been combined with several other buildings to the south and cnsists of large, modern show windows. Above the storefront are three arched openings that have been enclosed. This building is of architectural interest because it is a simple but interesting example of the Art Deco style of commercial architecture. Low relief geometrical ornamentation is commonly seen on Art Deco buildings, including shallow columns, chevrons, stylized sunbursts, and muted polychromy. Vertical massing is emphasized in Art Deco buildings, as well as stone, terra cotta, and metal decoration and/or facing. The Commercial Company Building is interesting not because it has lot of decoration, which it does not. Rather, its smooth veneer, largely devoid of decoration, and its thin form and massing is an excellent example of the vertical emhasis of the Art Deco style. This building was originally built for the Commercial Company, an investment firm, and other professional offices. The Commercial Company vacated the building in 1934. After that time, the building housed offices and a series of businesses on the first floor, including a tavern, restaurant, and part of a clothing store. This building has some historical interest as a general commercial building because of the historic commercial activity that took place in this building throughout its history. |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | A. City Directories for the City of Fond du Lac, on file at the Fond du Lac Public Library, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |