Property Record
2600 N 32ND ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Kiel Furniture Co. |
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| Other Name: | Master Lock Company |
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| Reference Number: | 111591 |
| Location (Address): | 2600 N 32ND ST |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1909 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19802016 |
| Historic Use: | industrial bldg/manufacturing facility |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Van Ryn & DeGelleke |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 2021 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Architectural Statement: Master Lock is a sprawling network of offices and manufacturing plants which cover 6 acres on the City's northwest side. Functional in design and form, they were constructed over a period of 25 years. Historical Statement: Master Lock was founded in 1929 by locksmith Harry E. Soref. He invented the principle of the laminated padlock by which layer upon layer of hard-wrought steel plates are riveted together under pressures up to 300,000 pounds. The result is a case stronger than a block of steel. The first factory was located on N. Plankinton and has grown to be the world's largest producer of padlocks with over 210,000 feet of manufacturing space at the N. 32nd Street site. Soref was Chairman of the Board until his death in 1957. Philip E. Yolles, who provided the principal backing, was the first president. In 1970, American Brands purchased the controlling stock for $75 million. 2016 - Main factory is four-story brick building with an elaborate stone trimmed entry on west facade. Replacement windows and several additions on east and south constructed between c.1950 and c.1990. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Milwaukee Sentinel, November 26, 1961. Milwaukee Journal, October 22, 1970. WAA. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |