| Additional Information: | Triangular in form, this two story structure exhibits its original facade on the southeast, while its Fond du Lac Avenue elevation features a 1958 remodeling. Appearing to be of solid brick construction, the original southeast wall carries a series of double hung, sash windows along both its lower and upper levels. A single door is located near the north end of the first floor. The lower portion of the original, canted corner entrance is sheathed with modern, glazed, cut stone, and the upper level features a rounded unit that is also covered with modern materials. Along the Fond du Lac Avenue facade is a two story, glass/metal entrance at the north end, while remaining wall space is covered with metal/glass windows and a patterned, smooth stone veneer. In raised, cursive writing, the word "Columbia" projects beyond the altered facade, above the entrance.
The structure was the office for president Frank C. Schultz, of the Atlas Investment Company, until 1957. In 1958, the building was purchased by Columbia Savings & Loan, a business which was started in 1924, by an African-American couple, Wilbur & Ardie Halyard. Originated as the Columbia Building & Loan, the name changed in 1942.
Ardie Halyard was responsible for instituting an annual award for African-American commercial achievements, and the Halyard name currently graces one of Milwaukee's city streets. Although the current Columbia Savings & Loan business is notable for its 1924 origins under the Halyards, the institution's development is not directly related to the subject building. |
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