Property Record
1725 STATE ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Main Hall / La Crosse State Normal School |
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| Other Name: | UW-La Crosse, Graff Main Hall, LAC 0001 |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 29574 |
| Location (Address): | 1725 STATE ST |
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| County: | La Crosse |
| City: | La Crosse |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1908 |
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| Additions: | 1980 |
| Survey Date: | 19962011 |
| Historic Use: | university or college building |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Van Ryn and DeGelleke |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Main Hall/La Crosse State Normal School |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 3/14/1985 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Two 'site files' exist for this property named 'Main Hall/La Crosse State Normal School' and 'La Crosse State Normal School'. They contain additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. They are public records and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. HOUSED ALL EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE SCHOOL'S FIRST 11 YEARS. CONSTRUCTION COST WAS $260,000. BUILDING NOW HOUSES THE OFFICES OF THE CHANCELLOR AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF, A 600 SEAT AUDITORIUM, APPROXIMATELY 35 CLASSROOMS AND SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTIONAL AREAS. PHOTO CODE SF STANDS FOR STATE FACILITY. A restrained entablature composed of cornice and parapet is visually supported by engaged pilasters in the central entrance bays in the facade and side elevations and in the massive piers projecting at the ends of the structure; short octagonal tower projects from the west elevation; contrasting white masonry belt courses divide the structure horizontally; segmental arched window groups with articulated keystones; segmental arched doors with ornament similar to the windows. Using Classical Design sources typically associated with public and institutional building in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Main Hall is the most architecturally significant example of historic educational architecture remaining in La Crosse. Constructed in 1908-1909 as the State Normal School, Main Hall is significant as the original structure associated with the present University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. This was the first building built for the new State Normal School at La Crosse in 1909. Long dreamed of and worked for by the leaders of La Crosse, the school was finally acquired when State Senator Tom Morris, of La Crosse, pushed an enabling bill through the Wisconsin Legislature. The grounds were purchased for $25,000 ($10,000 in state funds, $15,000 from the city) and the building erected for $260,000. Main Hall is important in the educational development of La Crosse. The establishment of a State Normal School at La Crosse made the city into a regionally important educational center, over time, grew to become an important part of the La Crosse local scenery. Building constructed by the Sterling Engineering and Construction Co. of Milwaukee. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) A. Sanford and H. Hirshheimer, A History of La Crosse, WI, 1841-1900 (La Crosse: La Crosse County Historical Society, 1953; p. 238). (B) Dr. L. Crocker, Dept. of Art UW-La Crosse. (C) GEORGE R. GILKEY "LACROSSE, A HALF-CENTURY OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN WISCONSIN'S COULEE REGION (1909-1966)". WALKER WYMAN ED. HISTORY OF THE WISCONSIN STATE UNIVERSITIES, 1968, P. 275. (D) "UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LACROSSE CATALOG", AUG. 1972, P. 5. A. LA Crosse Leader Press, 16 July 1907. B. La Crosse Chronicle, 11 June 1908. C. La Crosse Tribune, 11 November 1909. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |