Property Record
3243 N SUMMIT AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | W.B. Rubin Duplex |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 117125 |
| Location (Address): | 3243 N SUMMIT AVE |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1911 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1979 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Prairie School |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Stucco |
| Architect: | Leenhouts & Guthrie |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Kenwood Park - Prospect Hill Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 3/7/2002 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 7/20/2001 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Unusual early 20th century residence with boldly projecting cornices ornamented with mosaic tiles. Shows strong influence from the European Modernist designs from the same period. "The Rubin duplex was design by the firm of Leenhouts & Guthire (1900-1935) and completed in 1911. Although partners Cornelius Leenhouts & Hugh Wilson Guthrie generally designed more formal/traditional styles, this structure stands as a well-executed example of Prairie School architecture. The stucco-sheathed residence exhibits the style's hallmark elements of wide overhanging eaves and a flat roof, the fascia board of which is accented by mosaic tilework. Turning to the interior, painted (faux mosaic) stencilwork, original, rectilinear-design sconce fixtures, as well as a significant amount of woodwork (floors, built-ins and ceiling trim) remain throughout both units. Both units also retain their original, low-lying, Roman brick-constructed, Prairie School fireplaces the design of which has been confirmed to have come from the hand of George Mann Niedecken. Niedecken also designed furniture for the Rubin's unit; it remains unknown if it was ever executed. The duplex was commissioned by prominent Jewish lawyer William B. Rubin and his wife Sonia. William was a prolific labor lawyer and well-known champion of worker's rights and served as the personal attorney for Samuel Gompers, President of the American Federation of Labor. William and Sonia originally resided in one of the units, while the other was rented by Forest Home Cemetery secretary William S. Pirie and his family. The third floor, which may have originally functioned as servant's quarters, was converted in 1992-93 for use as a master bedroom suite for the upper-level unit." Wright and Like 2011: Milwaukee Originals June 10th Through 12th, Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin, Inc., Madison, WI, 2011. |
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| Bibliographic References: | 1. Tax Program 2. Building Permit Wright and Like 2011: Milwaukee Originals June 10th Through 12th, Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin, Inc., Madison, WI, 2011. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |