Property Record
215 S WATER ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Manuel-Hoffman Building |
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| Other Name: | Dorine's Family Inn |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 28040 |
| Location (Address): | 215 S WATER ST |
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| County: | Monroe |
| City: | Sparta |
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| Year Built: | 1917 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1989 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Astylistic Utilitarian Building |
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| Wall Material: | Metal |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Water Street Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 11/12/1992 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 7/3/1992 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | The Manuel-Hoffman Building was erected in 1914 and modified in 1917. The building was occupied by the Hoppman and Niemeier Agricultural firm. Thereafter, The Hoppman and Niemeier agricultural implement firm ocupied this building to at least 1922. At that time, a portion of the building was used for a plumbing shop. In 1931, it was still listed as an agricultural implement business, but the ownership is unknown. The Manuel-Hoffman Building has potential for local historical significant under Criterion A in association with the Industrial Theme. However, there is little historical data currently associated with the building and its role in the development of Sparta remains unclear. This two-and-a-half story building displays a rock-faced concrete block facacde characterized by a small plain cornice and small shoulder arched masonry window heads on the upper stories. One over one rectangular windows remain on the second story while windows on the upper story have been filled in with wood panels. The inscription "Dec. 3, 1917" is located above the double windows in the center bay of the facade. A metal canopy extends over the contemporary wooden storefront, which features multiple small windows with two vertically divided windows and two single door entrances. This vernacular building has been altered by the replacement windows on the upper story, and by the addition of a contemporary storefront. Constructed in its present form by 1917, this building was a frame, two-story, agricultural implement building that was enlarged into a 60 ft. x 70 ft. building in 1914 at the same time a concrete block facade and north elevation was added. This building was used originally to house George Manuel's farm implement business, which was owned and operated by F.W. Hoffman by 1916. The Manuel-Hoffman building, important as an example of early 20th century street concrete construction, does not meet the criteria of the NRHP for architectural significance because of a lack of integrity. However, this building has sufficient architectural character to contribute to the Water Street Commercial Historic District. Other examples of early concrete construction are located at 116 East Franklin (MP27/12) and 115 East Franklin (MP27/13). |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) City of Sparta Tax Records, 1917-1930. (B) Sanborn Insurance Maps 1884, 1889, 1894, 1900, 1911, 1922, 1931. (C) Sparta Herald Jan. 20, 1914. (D) City of Sparta Property Tax Rolls, 1870-1940. (E) City Directory of the City of Sparta, Wisconsin. Sparta: compiled and published by E.B. Bell, 1916. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |