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Bounded by N. 68th St., W. Lloyd St., N. 60th St., and Milwaukee Ave.
Washington Highlands Historic District
89002121
Bounded by N. 68th St., W. Lloyd St., N. 60th St., and Milwaukee Ave.
Milwaukee
Wauwatosa
Summary
Washington Highlands Historic District
Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County
Developers: Hegemann & Peets
Dates of contributing buildings: 1918-1940
Washington Highlands was the first large subdivision in Milwaukee County. The land was originally the site of a farm owned by the famous Milwaukee brewer, Captain Frederick Pabst. In 1891 he opened a street running east and west through the center of his farm for the construction of a streetcar line giving commuters access to downtown Milwaukee. After the death of Pabst, the property was platted for subdivisions. Richter, Dick & Reuteman were hired to plan, develop and promote the subdivision. In 1916, the nationally known firm of Hegemann & Peet was hired to design the subdivision.
The firm used design standards of the Garden City movement that focused on community planning and development to create a healthful and peaceful environment. Their sensitivity to suburban design can be seen throughout the neighborhood, where streets were laid out to preserve natural features, such as Schoonmaker Creek. Landscape details include two circular plazas, a massive stone-faced bridge along with three private bridges, Lannon stone retaining walls, and a chain of parks. There are distinctive gateways into the neighborhood promoting a sense of seclusion for the residents.
In 1919 management of the subdivision was turned over to the Washington Highlands Homes Association. The association used deed restrictions to create and maintain harmony in appearance. The'Covenants of Washington Highlands' controlled land use, building size, location, and design, dedicated public and recreational land, and eliminated through traffic.
The district was designed during the height of eclectic Period Revival tastes and features a full spectrum of popular architecture. Hegemann & Peet's innovative design incorporated affordable housing in small-scale apartments and duplexes along the borders of the subdivision, reserving the curvilinear streets in the center for up-scale housing.
The homes in this district are private residences. Please respect the rights of the property owners.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering,Event |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture,Commerce,Landscape Architecture |
| Period of Significance | 1916-1940 |
| Architectural Style | Colonial Revival,Tudor Revival,Mission/Spanish Revival |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Resource Type | District |
| Historic Use | Single Dwelling,Multiple Dwelling,Specialty Store,Park |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 319 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 4 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 54 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Nov 2, 1989 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Dec 18, 1989 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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Email UsAttribution
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1616 MARTHA WASHINGTON DR
76540
Located in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County
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11000116
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