Property Record
121-123 E MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Argus Building/Heilmann Bakery/Madison Past & Present |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 106833 |
| Location (Address): | 121-123 E MAIN ST |
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| County: | Dane |
| City: | Madison |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
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| Year Built: | 1844 |
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| Additions: | 1847 1892 1891 |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | small office building |
| Architectural Style: | Romanesque Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Simeon Mills Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 6/25/1987 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| 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. Madison Historic Landmark: 10/15/2002 The First Settlement Neighborhood: A Walking Tour: "A portion of this building is very likely the oldest commercial building remaining in Madison. It was built by E. G. Dean ca. 1847 for the Argus, a pioneer weekly newspaper founded by Simeon Mills and others in 1844. That paper merged with a competitor, the Wisconsin Democrat, in 1852 becoming Madison's first daily. The building was also home to two fraternal lodges -- Odd Fellows and the Masons. In 1873, George Heilmann opened the Madison Steam Bakery here, along with a saloon, a restaurant and a candy store. The operation remained in this location for over 50 years. The Heilmanns remodeled the red brick building in 1891-1892 in the Romanesque Revival style." 2006: "This two-story building is probably the oldest building remaining in Madison. Its newer front facade was added in 1891." |
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| Bibliographic References: | Wisconsin State Journal 3/24/2002. Madison Landmarks Commission and Capitol Neighborhoods, The First Settlement Neighborhood: A Walking Tour, 1988. "The Oldest Known Buildings in Madison" Prepared by Katherine H. Rankin, 1/11/2006. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |