Property Record
742 W CAPITOL DR
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Messmer High School |
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| Other Name: | Messmer High School |
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| Reference Number: | 115568 |
| Location (Address): | 742 W CAPITOL DR |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1929 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1979201920212024 |
| Historic Use: | elementary, middle, jr.high, or high |
| Architectural Style: | Late Gothic Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Herbst & Kuenzli |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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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. ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Excellent example of a large 20th century school. Note owls above entrance. Construction date, 1929. (1) 2019 (by Heritage Research, Ltd) - Constructed in the Collegiate Gothic architectural style in 1929, Messmer High School is situated on the north side of Capitol Drive between 7th Street and I-43. It is a three story, brick structure that faces south. The brick is laid in a Flemish bond and complemented by abundant, terra cotta ornamentation around the building. Additionally does terra cotta coping crown the structure. The primary façade is broken into panels by buttresses that extend the height of the building. More particularly is it dominated by the main entrance and tower to the right (east) and a narrower but taller tower to the left (west). Windows openings are symmetrically placed, while the windows themselves have been replaced. A large, modern athletic facility was added to the east side of the school where were once the school’s rectory and convent. It was constructed in circa 2000 of brick laid in a running bond and embellished with stylized buttresses that promote some sense of continuity with the 1929 structure. The school was constructed by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee as it sought to develop and operate a central high school in the city in contrast to those maintained by parishes or various Holy Orders. The school was designed by the Milwaukee architectural firm of Herbst & Kuenzli, which was also responsible for, among many other area commissions, the Shorewood High School complex and Marquette High School. Messmer opened to classes in 1930 and was closed by the archdiocese in 1984 due to declining enrollment. Thereafter was it operated as an independent Roman Catholic High School no longer affiliated with the archdiocese. 2021 - Resurveyed (by Heritage Research, Ltd): No Change. Update photo. 2024: Appearance unchanged. |
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| Bibliographic References: | 1. Building Permit. Architecture/History Survey of I-43 from Capitol Drive (south) to a point 2100' north of Hampton Avenue (north) in Milwaukee & Glendale, Milwaukee County, WI, July 1, 2019. WHS Project #19-1461, prepared by John N. Vogel. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |