Property Record
2034-2036 N Doctor Martin Luther King Jr Dr (AKA 2034-2036 N 3RD ST)
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Deffner Building |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 108774 |
| Location (Address): | 2034-2036 N Doctor Martin Luther King Jr Dr (AKA 2034-2036 N 3RD ST) |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
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| Year Built: | 1885 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | small retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | North Third Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 8/2/1984 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | Multiple Resources of N. 3rd St. - Brewers' Hill |
| Additional Information: | J.C. Deffner was a harness maker here in 1887. Architectural Statement: Description: The building is a two story brick masonry commercial building. It is a Victorian Italianate design incorporating a handsome pressed metal cornice which projects upward in an inverted "V" in the center. Bracketing and urn-like elements at each end add to its character. The building is one structural bay wide; the lower storefront has three cast iron columns which support the upper facade. This has three equally spaced windows, which have no particular relationship to the window and door spacing below. The latter is determined by placement of the door to the second floor on the extreme north, with the remainder divided into three equal units having the storefront entry in the middle. Cast iron columns separate these openings. A triangular date stone above the center window is inscribed, "DEFFNER 1885". (1982 photo - 36/18) Significance: As an intact and well detailed example of Italianate Commercial design, the building is architecturally significanct to the North Third Street Historic District. Of special interest is the second story brickwork, which is a series of pilasters and vertical panels which accentuates the height of the winodws. Historical Statement: The building was constructed in 1885 for John C. Deffner, a harness maker and dealer in horse furnishing goods. Deffner was a native of Bavaria, but raised in Milwaukee. He achieved a wide reputation as a reliable workman and businessman, fashioning single, double, light, and heavy duty harnesses manufacturing to order. According to Wright's Directory of Milwaukee for 1910, Deffner also resided at this address; he died in 1913. Excellent example of a typical three bay brick store of this date in nearly original condition with original storefront and cornice. J.C. Deffner was the harness maker here in 1887. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Inscription. City of Milwaukee survey form 8/79. Tax Program. City of Miwaukee survey form 8/79. 1887 City Directory. Commercial File - Deffner. Wright's Directory of Milwaukee, 1910. Milwaukee of To-day, 1892. National Register Nomination Form. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |