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Summary
Eau Claire Masonic Temple
317-319 South Barstow Street/ 306 Main Street
Eau Claire, Eau Claire County
Date of Construction: 1898-1899
The Romanesque inspired Masonic Temple, located in the heart of Eau Claire's historic downtown commercial area, was the first building in the city of Eau Claire built specifically for use by the Masonic fraternity. Organized in 1857, the Masons included many prominent men active in the financial, social and cultural development of Eau Claire during the late-19th and early-20th centuries. The Masons remained in this building until 1928, meeting in the upper levels and renting the first floor to Williams Furniture Company. From the time the Masons moved to their new temple several blocks away, a succession of furniture retailers have occupied the building.
The Masonic Temple is an outstanding example of Romanesque Revival architecture and is one of the last surviving buildings of this style in the City of Eau Claire. The two-story red brick façade features a pair of massive, rough-cut limestone arches that are the hallmark of this popular late-19th century style. The round arch theme is repeated in the Main Street entry, south façade windows and in ornamental detailing in the cornice on the west facade. Additional distinctive decorative elements are three multi-colored glazed tile capitals atop three fluted corner pilasters. The mostly intact exterior is matched by a similarly well-preserved interior that features a curved first floor mezzanine and a second story balcony used by the Masons. The original hand-operated elevator is in place and functional.
The Masonic Temple is currently a privately owned gallery, furniture and antique shop open to the public during regular business hours.
Property Details
Resources Within The Property
Designations
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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317-319 S BARSTOW ST / 306 MAIN ST
40908
Located in Eau Claire, Eau Claire County
2-28 S Barstow St, 206-316 Eau Claire St (north side), 8 S Farwell St
07001047
Located in Eau Claire, Eau Claire County
505 South Barstow Street
07001085
Located in Eau Claire, Eau Claire County
South Barstow Street
Elevated view of a main throughfaire, with buildings lining each side of the street, with many pedestrians, a horse-drawn carriage, a clock hanging from a pole in the street, and trolleys running a...
