Property Record
524 E MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Levi Kittilson & Co. Tobacco Warehouse |
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| Other Name: | Soper's Woodworks |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 5896 |
| Location (Address): | 524 E MAIN ST |
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| County: | Dane |
| City: | Stoughton |
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| Year Built: | 1891 |
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| Additions: | 1998 |
| Survey Date: | 197920132019 |
| Historic Use: | warehouse |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Depot Hill Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 11/22/2021 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 11/22/2021 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Original cream brick facade was damaged by wind 11/1998 and replaced with red brick and quoins. Architectural Description: Constructed in 1891 [A], this two story cream brick warehouse has a gable roof hidden from view by a stepped parapet with the datestone highlighted by brick pilasters. It has a four bay main elevation with deep side walls. New wood stairs and a landing provide access through the main entrance. Decoration rests primarily in the "1891" datestone, pilasters, a belt course in the parapet area, and drop-shoulder segmental arched window and door hoods, each of which contains a keystone. The warehouse is in good condition. Architectural Significance: The smallest of three on east Main Street, this warehouse is the most unique. While the other two have simple exposed gables, this warehouse has an elaborate stepped parapet. The only warehouse on the north side of Main Street, it contributes to the architectural definition of tobacco warehouses in Stoughton. The property is representative of the Wholesale Trade element of the Commerce Theme for Stoughton. Historical Background: In 1884, this site was occupied by Dow, Townsend and Company's grain elevator. Information from the Sanborn Insurance map indicates that the elevator was four stories with a capacity of 25,000 bushels. Between 1884 and 1891, the grain elevator was removed. [B]. In 1891, a local newspaper reports that "Mr. Kittleson is building the foundation of his warehouse with Waukesha stone, and a neat substantial job Mr. Henderson and his crew of masons are making it." [C]. In 1898 the building was occupied by the O. K. Roe Tobacco Company. Between 1912 and 1926, it became the L. B. Carl Tobacco Warehouse. [B]. Historical Significance: The dependance of the tobacco industry on the local railroad is clear from the proximity of the warehouse to the tracks and freight depot. The success of the tobacco industry is reflected in the architectural details and massive scale of this warehouse. The property represents the Wholesale Trade element of the Commerce Theme for Stoughton. August 2013: New brick veneer with corner quoins added to facade; new second story windows; new brick and concrete stoop August 2019: Appearance unchanged. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Datestone. B. Sanborn-Perris Insurance Maps: 1884, 1887, 1889, 1892, 1904, 1912, 1926, 1926-43. C. The Stoughton Hub. 9 October 1891. D. Rebecca Sample Bernstein for the City of Stoughton Landmarks Commission and Downtown Revitalization Association, Historic Main Street: An Architectural & Historical Guide to Downtown Stoughton, 1991. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |