Property Record
621 N WISCONSIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Columbia Garage |
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| Other Name: | Kaliber Collision Repair |
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| Reference Number: | 127379 |
| Location (Address): | 621 N WISCONSIN ST |
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| County: | Ozaukee |
| City: | Port Washington |
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| Year Built: | 1916 |
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| Additions: | 1922 |
| Survey Date: | 20032022 |
| Historic Use: | gas station/service station |
| Architectural Style: | Twentieth Century Commercial |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | The second story was constructed in 1922. John L. "Jack" Schmit opened the Columbia Garage Auto Repair Shop at this location in 1914. The present structure was in place by 1916. In 1918, Schmit added new car sales to the business and sold Buicks. Pontiacs were added to the inventory in 1933, and Cadillacs in 1941. Street-side gas pumps appear in a 1929 photo. In 1948 an addition was erected on the south side of the building to allow for trucks to enter the service bays. At the same time, the original, front service bay was restructed into a window. Another major renovation was undertaken in 1975 when the front, second-floor facade was covered with siding. The company stayed in the Schmit until 1964 when it celebrated its 50th anniversary. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Historic tax rolls; Sanborn-Perris Fire Insurance maps, 1913, 1922. "Port Washington Firm Celebrates 50th Year," Ozaukee Press, July 1964, Clipping on file in the "Columbia Garage" business file at the Port Washington Historical Society Research Center, Port Wasington. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |