| Additional Information: | ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION & SIGNIFICANCE:
4-story corner block loft construction, reinforced concrete, Art Moderne entrance (later addition, built 1922); 1908 section 2-story brick with segmental arches over flat-arched six-over-six windows.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & SIGNIFICANCE:
Siegfriedheller, a German immigrant, learned the elevator business at Milwaukee's August Kieckhefer Co. and, in 1893, formed the first of 3 partnerships in the manufacture of elevators, gates and doors and the repair of dumb waiters. In 1895, the then named Heller-Mueller Co. merged with others to form the August Kieckhefer Elevator Co. After 3 years as corporate secretary, Heller went back into business on his own, moved into succesively larger quarters, and built this factory in 1908, adding onto it in 1919 at the rear. In 1920, after 27 years in the business, the S. Heller Elevator Co. was officially organized and, in 1929, another loft building was constructed on the corner. Within a few years, the building was being shared with companies including a printing firm, and engraver and eventually the WISCONSIN JEWISH CHRONICLE. Heller's elevator works, carried on by his son, folded in 1956. The buildings, connected by fire doors, are occupied by an attorney, a diving equipment & supply shop and a derivative of the engraving firm that has occupied it since the 1920's. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Gregory John G. ed., HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN. vol. IV, Milwaukee; S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1931. pp. 458-9
Historic Third Ward Historic Walking Tour, Historic Third Ward Association, 2009. |
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