Property Record
547 N PARK ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Reedsburg Memorial Hospital |
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| Other Name: | Park Street Senior Homes |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 67116 |
| Location (Address): | 547 N PARK ST |
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| County: | Sauk |
| City: | Reedsburg |
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| Year Built: | 1932 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1983 |
| Historic Use: | hospital |
| Architectural Style: | Colonial Revival/Georgian Revival |
| Structural System: | Brick |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Frank S. Moulton |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Park Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 12/26/1984 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | Multiple Resources of Reedsburg |
| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. This two story Georgian Revival style brick hospital, designed by Frank Moulton in 1932, measures approximately 115.5' x 40.5' on the north (the former surgery wing) and 36' x 115.5' on the south. The light rust colored surface brick laid in the American common bond pattern came from Oakfield and the sandstone foundation from Ablemen (Rock Springs). Structurally, the building was constructed using faced brick, fire brick and common brick along with steel joists. (See Bib. Ref. D, F). Bedford limestone trim is used on the watertable, and on the top quoin on the corners; other quoins are brick. A two story bay-like ell forms a polygonal entry and is centered on the east (front) facade. Pilasters, one window head, all keystones and a cornice with 'Reedsburg Municipal Hospital' inscribed on it, all in limestone, delineate this entry area. The door has sidelights and an overlight, limestone trim surrounding it and two limestone scroll brackets that support a narrow metal balustrade above it. A limestone balustrade used to be on top (of the roof) of this section of the hospital but it has been removed. (See Bib. Ref. E). Windows are six-over-six with wood frames painted white, although a few retain the original bright green paint. Two windows on the front and two windows on the north have been altered and the oringinal panes replaced with block glass. A U-shaped walk to the main entry is flanked by two lamps on posts (part of the original design) and leads to an octagon shaped lobby with quarter sawn paneling and terrazo floors of tesselated design. An additional interior railing has been placed on the lobby stairway, otherwise this part of the hospital has not been altered. The structure is in good condition. When built in 1933, the 17 room hospital had space for 31 beds, surgical and X-ray facilities. There were two operating rooms, a solarium, kitchen, delivery room and patient rooms on the second floor. Nurse's rooms, kitchen and staff dining rooms were on the main floor. The basement contained the boiler room and switchboard. Rooms were painted green, robin's egg blue, grey and buff, and had lights two feet above floor level for night use. (See Bib. Ref. F). Interior rooms have since been altered, operating rooms have other uses (id. kitchen areas), some patients' rooms are now offices and a first floor hallway has been altered. Architectural/Engineering Significance: The former Reedsburg Municipal Hospital is an excellent example of a Georgian Revival style non-residential building in Reedsburg. It is also the only one. This well proportioned building, an adaptation of a traditional style to twentieth century aesthetics, is highlighted by the large two story limestone pilasters and door trim. It is an arhtecturally significant asset in Reedsburg. The hospital was designed by Frank S. Moulton of Flad & Moulton. (See Bib. Ref. F). Moulton was an architect, engineer and artist born in Dane County in 1891. He attended Cornell University and was chief draftsman under Andrew Peabody in the State Architect's office in Madison for ten years. He entered into private practice after World War I, part of the time in partnership with John Flad. He designed numerous buildings on the University of Wisconsin's Madison campus as well as designing Reedsburg's South School at 420 Plum Street. (See Bib. Ref. G). Historical Background: Local businesmen began to organize to construct a new hospital in 1930. A city wide referendum was held in 1932 on whether to issue bonds to build the hospital. It passed and Frieda Meyers Nishan donated property on North Park Street to build the hospital. The estimated cost was $70,000 with $20,000 coming from surplus utility funds and $50,000 in bonds. The hospital was built by Immel Construction of Fond du Lac who had the low bid of $49,150 and therefore was awarded the construction contract. (See Bib. Ref. H). Local help was used and $21,429 was paid out for this. (See Bib. Ref. F). The plumbing was done by Welch of Baraboo, refidgeration was by Wheeler Brothers, painting by George Geffert and Joe Meyer, night lighting by Charles Aton and electrical work by W. B. Reed, all of whom were local. Ernest Siefert of Reedsburg supplied the oak furniture. (See Bib. Ref. F). In 1952, an addition was proposed and Flinn & Saito of Des Moines were hired to design it (to increase the hospital capacity to 60 beds). The addition was built on the west (rear) of the old hospital and was executed in a similar style. Federal funds (55%) covered part of the over $200,000 cost of the addition. (See Bib. Ref. A). The Reedsburg Municipal Hospital was used as a hospital until c. 1976, when a new hospital was built at 2000 North Dewey Avenue. The building was then used as the inpatient hospital for Tri-County Human Services, treating drug abuse, alcoholism and developmental disabilities. Outpatient services are in a new building at 425 Sixth Street. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. "Reedsburg Times-Press," August 2, 1973. B. "Reedsburg Free Press," August 8, 1902. C. "Wisconsin Industrial Review," March 1912 (Vol. XIII, No 147). D. "Reedsburg Free Press," July 29, 1932. E. Reedsburg Centennial Committee, Reedburg Remembers, (Historical Committee, Reedsburg Centennial, 1948). F. "Reedsburg Free Press," January 27, 1933. G. Information from a display about Moulton at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin (4th floor) in Madison, March, 1984. H. "Reedsburg Free Press," February 2, 1932. I. "Reedsburg Municipal Hospital," On Building. J. 1932 date of construction source: Reedsburg Centennial Committee, Reedsburg Remembers (Historical Committee, Reedsburg Centennial, 1948). K. REEDSBURG REPORT 4/18/1996. L. REEDSBURG REPORT 8/8/1996. M. Reedsburg Times Press, 2/13/1997. Baraboo News Republic 10/25/2003. Reedsburg Times Press 10/29/2003. Reedsburg Independent 10/23/2003. Reedsburg Times Press 5/7/2003. Reedsburg Times Press 5/3/2003. Reedsburg Independent 5/1/2003. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |