Situated on the northwest bank of Lake Katherine, the Hans J. Hagge wet boathouse was constructed between 1938 and 1939. Hans J. Hagge, a prominent businessman in Wausau, commissioned Wilmer Yelton and George Grundy, locally noted builders, to design and build this two-story boathouse. This fine example of an early twentieth century wet boathouse employs elements of the Craftsman style. Characteristic architectural details include a broad hip roof, exposed rafters, clapboard exterior, and multi-light casement windows.

Boathouses are a resource uniquely tied to the resorts and summer homes of Oneida County. Just as garages were built to house automobiles, boathouses were constructed to protect boats from the elements. Wet boathouses in northern Wisconsin are typically one- or two-story frame buildings with hip or front gable roofs. The buildings are located over water and typically rest on a foundation of wood pilings. The interior of the first level, where the boats are docked, is often rustic with exposed wall framing. In the Hagge Boathouse, a wood deck extends around the interior boat slips, and each has two spur-geared, pulley hoists to raise boats out of the water. The second level is often a living space and typically includes bands of windows providing views of the lake. In the Hagge Boathouse, an interior staircase leads to an upstairs open recreational room.

Even though boathouses are largely vernacular, elements of the Craftsman, Rustic, and Queen Anne styles were incorporated into boathouse design in Northern Wisconsin. Typically the overall form, massing, and wall materials contribute to the display of the architectural style. The application of architectural details is frequently limited to smaller details, such as exposed rafters, window style, and flower boxes. The Hagge Boathouse's large-scale, upper-story living area and Craftsman detailing demonstrate this building's significance compared to other more vernacular boathouses in the area.

The Hagge Boathouse is private property and is not open to the public. Please respect the owner's privacy.