Property Record
770 N MARSHALL ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Four Sixty Marshall Apartment Hotel |
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| Other Name: | Sydney Apartment Hotel (1957 - present) |
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| Reference Number: | 114963 |
| Location (Address): | 770 N MARSHALL ST |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1927 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | apartment/condominium |
| Architectural Style: | Art/Streamline Moderne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Backus & Uthus |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 0 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | DESCRIPTION: The Sydney Apartment Hotel was one of several luxury high-rise residences designed by the Milwaukee architectural firm of Backes and Uthus. Their other major works (Sovereign Apartments, Ambassador Hotel and Herida Apartments) are extant along West Wisconsin Avenue. The Sydney was built to meet the demand for housing near the central business district during the 1920's. It appears the Sydney had its heyday from 1928 to 1935, when its Yellow Pages ads superceded all others in size and content. After 1935, its ad was reduced to a single line item. Because of its location, original cost and overdone fanfare, the Sydney probably attracted the well-to-do business and professional classes. Exactly who these people were is not clear since the city directories did not list individual tenants at this address. This suggests the Sydney was probably transient in nature. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Architecturally it represents a major work of Backes and Uthus. Designed in the Moderne, the Sydney is an example of the style which was seldom used in Milwaukee. The setback form is a result of zoning regulations enacted during the mid-1920's which required adequate light and air in dense, urban areas. The facade is defined with terra-cotta ornament of modified Gothicisms. Full running piers terminate into pinnacles with tracery and battlements on the parapet wall. The terra-cotta is fired a rose-green with a surface texture simulating stone. S.M. Siesel was the builder. Building is currently vacant. Excellent example of a typical 1920s apartment building. |
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| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |