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Christina Kuhl Block, 1985

Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Block prior to paint removal and restoration. View the property record: AHI 72771

The Christina Kuhl Block was built in 1885 on a prominent site flanking the Mathias Mitchell Square in Stevens Point. Years later, the building's two storefronts were sold to separate buyers. Eventually, the owners of the corner portion of the building "updated" their property by applying a modern storefront to it and bricking in the upstairs windows. They also painted the exterior of the building right up to their property line -- not minding that the paint cut across the building's decorative stepped-gable.

The result gave the building a split personality. One side was the richly detailed original; the other side was blank and modern. Luckily, in 1990, new owners commissioned Stevens Point architect Tom Brown to undo these negative changes.

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Christina Kuhl Block, 2012

Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Block after restoration. View the property record: AHI 72771

The project included constructing a new storefront that was close to the building's original design and historic period. Previous remodeling had lowered the lintel supporting the masonry above the display windows. It proved too expensive to open them to their original height. The architect concealed this problem with an appropriate canvas awning. A chemical cleaner was used to strip the paint. Brick was removed from the window openings and new windows installed. The owner was able to receive preservation tax credits for the work because the building was in a National Register Historic District.

With its split personality cured, the Kuhl Block building is once again whole and fully representative of its unique High-Victorian design.

Read more about the history of the Christina Kuhl Block in the historic property record.