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Summary
Jefferson Public Library
305 South Main Street, Jefferson, Jefferson County
Architect: Claude & Starck
Date of Construction: 1911
The Jefferson Public Library is a Carnegie funded library located at the southern edge of the commercial district on land donated by the Jefferson Promoters Club. The building is a distinguished and unique example of the progressive spirit in midwestern architecture. The regionally known Madison firm, Claude & Starck, was chosen for the artistic merit shown in their many small library designs. They designed the building in a clearly defined Prairie School tradition.
The horizontal lines of the low-pitched gable roof with its broad overhangs and the groups of ribbon windows on each gable end dominate the overall composition. . The symmetrical façade has a projecting entrance pavilion with a similar low pitched gable roof. Surrounding entablatures and end pilasters frame the entrance and each corner of the building.
The library has a typical Carnegie plan with a reading room on the main level and community spaces provided for public lectures and meetings in the basement. Tall windows with transoms containing geometric patterned glass are found in the reading room. There are also horizontal bands of windows above the book stacks to allow additional light into the building. The first floor is raised above grade to enable natural light into the basement through windows.
The library is now being used as office space for the Council for Performance Arts and is open during regular hours.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture |
| Period of Significance | 1900-1924 |
| Architectural Style | Prairie School |
| Architect | Starck,Edward E.,Claude,Louis W. |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Library |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jan 17, 1980 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jan 1, 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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