Property Record
404 E MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Joseph Butscher Building; Mary Engelhard Fancy Goods |
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| Other Name: | Goehl Upholstery; Jim's Finishing |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 63451 |
| Location (Address): | 404 E MAIN ST |
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| County: | Jefferson |
| City: | Watertown |
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| Year Built: | 1880 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19862020 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Main Street Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 6/2/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | This building had a number of businesses housed in it since its construction in 1880 for Joseph Butscher. Butscher had a store here briefly; then between 1889 and 1899 Mary Engelhard had a fancy goods store here. It was a flower shop between 1907 and 1921, then a paint store until at least 1930. This building has historical interest as the location of a number of retail businesses. None are individually historically significant, but they contribute to the overall development of commerce in the Main Street Historic District. Built around 1880 for Joseph Butscher to replace his earlier frame dwelling and store, this small three-bay building is a simple cream brick vernacular commercial building. Featuring a raised, molded brick cornice decorated with rows of dentils and drip molding that is visually supported by capped brick piers, the Butscher building also features projecting segmental arched brick window heads resting on consoles placed over long, arched 2nd floor windows, retaining the plain projecting cornice above the storefront supported by capped brick piers, the storefront exhibits a recessed central entrance with replacement plate glass and window aprons in keeping with its historic character. A two-story enclosed porch with an exterior stairway is located at the rear. The Joseph Butscher building is significant under criterion C as an example of a commercial vernacular building influenced by the Italianate style. Among the best preserved of the commercial vernacular brick buildings in the commercial district, the Butscher building exhibits the arched eyebrow window heads and cornice of the Italianate style. Another good example of the small commercial building showing minimal Italianate influence is the similar Bramer building at 406 East Main (65-36). The Butscher building is basically identical to the two other adjacent buildings at 400 E. Main (63-31) and 402 E. Main (65-34) that have less well preserved or that have aesthetically less pleasing storefronts. Built for Joseph Butscher around 1880, this retail building has retained the historic cornice and capped brick piers on its storefront and the original window sashes on the upper story. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Tax Records, City of Watertown, 1860-1910, Area Research Center, Library, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. (B) "Revised Tariff of Rates for Watertown, Wis.," National Board of Fire Underwriters, April 13, 1876. (C) Watertown City Directories, 1860-1930, Watertown Public Library. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |