Property Record
735-739 S 1ST ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Westphal Building |
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| Other Name: | Timer's / Jack's Tap |
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| Reference Number: | 108464 |
| Location (Address): | 735-739 S 1ST ST |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1883 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 198819732021 |
| Historic Use: | tavern/bar |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
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| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Resurveyed in 2021 by UWM-CRM. This Italianate style two story building was constructed in 1883 for Henry Westphal, who operated a flour and feed store. The building is located at the northwest corner of S. 1st St. and National Ave. Its primary façade faces east onto S. 1st St. The storefront has been replaced, although the arrangement of windows mimics the original arrangement. The storefront is capped with a bracketed cornice. The upper story and side walls of the building are clad in cream brick and contain tall, segmental-arched windows with brick hood molds and stone sills. Historic photos indicate that these windows were originally arched two over two double hungs; at an unknown date prior to 2019, they were replaced with rectangular-headed aluminum one over one double hungs. The building is capped with a corbelled cornice and wood frieze with scroll cut brackets. A gable with small arched window is located in the front elevation, and the uppermost flat deck of the roof has modern railing with replacement metal cresting. Originally the flour and feed store of Henry Westphal. Recently sensitively restored. 1973: "This clean and handsome brick business and dwelling block was erected for Henry Westphal, a blacksmith. In 1884, Westphal changed occupations, that year he opened a flour and feed store located in the north section of the new building. This business continued until 1907. From the beginning, the South Section of the building has been a tavern. The first saloon keeper was Thomas Curtis, who resided in the apartment above the drinking establishment. Alterations and Additions (as of 1973): The exterior has remained intact. At an undetermined date, the upper story was altered for use as a boarding house." |
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| Bibliographic References: | Inscription. Tax rolls. 1876 Rascher Atlas. Deeds. Keller, Charles, special building inspector, "Survey No. 1 of Frame Buildings," 739 South First Street, 1934, General Office, Department of Building Inspection and Safety, 1010 Municipal Building. Milwaukee City Directory. Records of ownership, Records and Research, 509 City Hall, Milwaukee. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |