Property Record
1425 N WISCONSIN ST (1425 N MAIN ST)
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Lorenzo Janes Elementary School (Fourth Ward School) |
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| Other Name: | Lorenzo Janes Elementary School |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 11049 |
| Location (Address): | 1425 N WISCONSIN ST (1425 N MAIN ST) |
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| County: | Racine |
| City: | Racine |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1883 |
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| Additions: | 1896 |
| Survey Date: | 1980 |
| Historic Use: | school – elem/middle/jr high/high |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
| Architect: | James G. Chandler |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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| 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. The first schoolhouse on this site, the old Fourth Ward School, was one of three identical buildings, erected in 1855, from the same plans. James G. Chandler designed the 1896 additions that removed what was left of the original school. At this time the building was named Janes School, in honor of Lorenzo Janes, one of Racine's first lawyers and the owner of much property on the Northside. He came to Racine in 1836. He served the territoial council of Wisconsin and was the publisher of Racine's first newspaper--the Argus. He donated the land for the school. 1950s addition of a classroom to the western facade. "When originally built in 1856, the 4th Ward School was situated at the northern end of a block-square commons. The 4th Ward fire station was housed in a shed at the southwest corner of that public square, and a fence served to separate the school grounds from the commons' cow pasture. Architect/builder Lucas Bradley's design for the two-story brick Italianate building with cupola was similar to two other ward schools. James G. Chandler designed Queen Anne additions to the school in 1883. Another set of additions by Chandler in 1896-1897 removed what was left of the original school. It was at this time that the building was officially named Janes School in honor of Lorenzo Janes, one of Racine's first lawyers and the owner of much property on the Northside. A close examination of the Janes School reveals fine brickwork and detail. The tall, cylindrical tower, high-pitched gables and ornamental sheet metal trim are features of the picturesque French Chateauesque style the Chandler favored." Renewing Our Roots: The Northside, Racine, Wisconsin, Preservation-Racine, Inc., not dated. |
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| Bibliographic References: | RACINE JOURNAL TIMES 6/12/1994. Racine Journal Times 5/10/1997. Racine Landmarks brochure, 2003. Old Main Street Walking Tour Guide, 1990. Preservation Racine News, Winter 2019, Volume 17. Renewing Our Roots: The Northside, Racine, Wisconsin, Preservation-Racine, Inc., not dated. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |