Property Record
1537 N PROSPECT
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Elizabeth M. Black House |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 104977 |
| Location (Address): | 1537 N PROSPECT |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1901 |
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| Additions: | 1907 |
| Survey Date: | 19862010 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | English Revival Styles |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | A.C. Eschweiler |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Prospect Avenue Mansions Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 4/7/1990 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 2/7/1990 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. Builder: J. Debbink. Mason: Pat Dunn. ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Elizabeth M. Black House is a superb example of residences designed in the Jacobean style. It is an outstanding contribution to the city's architectural heritage. Designed by A.C. Eschweiler, it is one of his most successful works, which captures the definitive qualities of style. The curvilinear gables and subordinate roof lines with the subdued wall finish combine to produce a true example of the Jacobean (vis-a-vis, Elizabethan or Jacobethan). HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Miss Elizabeth Black was the daughter of John Black, a prominent businessman and politician. Black came to Milwaukee in 1857, where he made his fortune in wholesale liquor. In 1870 he was the prime mover in establishing the Bank of Commerce, of which he served as Vice-President. Serving in both the Common Council and State Senate, Black was Mayor of the city from 1878-1880. Resurveyed as part of Milwaukee Downtown Connector Arch/History Survey (2010), Prepared by Heritage Research. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Tax Program. City Building Permit File. ARCHITECTURAL RECORD, (March 1905), v. 17, p. 209-230. HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE, (1881), p. 1599. "Fine Old Home in Tudor Style," The Milwaukee Journal, 25 June 1939, IIII-14, col. 2 and photo with caption entitled "East Side Home Retains Charm," adjacent to article. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |