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Summary
Isermann, Frank and Jane, House
6500 Seventh Avenue, Kenosha, Kenosha County
Designer: Russell Barr Williamson
Date of Construction: 1923
Frank and Jane Isermann built their house next to brother Anthony Isermann's house, both designed by noted Wisconsin architect Russell Barr Williamson in the Prairie School tradition. Williamson worked as Frank Lloyd Wright's project supervisor during the period when Wright built the Bogk House in Milwaukee, a work that strongly influenced his solo designs. The squatty massing, deep overhangs, brick piers dividing the ribbon windows on the main façade, and concrete lintels over the windows all reflect Wright's Bogk House design.
Frank and his brother, Anthony, were long-time clothing merchants in downtown Kenosha. The decision to hire Williamson was clearly influenced by the construction of Anthony¿s home next door in the previous year. Williamson designed with a long, rectangular two-story main block and a small one-story wing to maximize use of the long, narrow lot. Its open floor plan is typical of the Prairie School. The sunroom, living room and dining room flow into each other through French doors. Prairie School wood trim, built-in cabinets and bookshelves, and original light fixtures made up of wood strips and mica panels are found throughout the house.
Williamson had a successful solo career beginning in the 1920s and had great success in the Milwaukee area with his late Prairie houses. He struggled for commissions in the 1930s and 1940s, but experienced a rebirth in the 1950s, due to increased interest in his contemporary Wrightian homes.
The house is a private residence. Please respect the privacy of the owners.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture |
| Period of Significance | 1923 |
| Architectural Style | Prairie School |
| Architect | Williamson, Russell Barr |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Single Dwelling |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 1 |
| 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 | Oct 17, 2003 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Feb 25, 2004 |
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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6416 Seventh Avenue
04000108
Located in Kenosha, Kenosha County
