600 W BROWN DEER RD | Property Record | Wisconsin Historical Society

Property Record

600 W BROWN DEER RD

Architecture and History Inventory
600 W BROWN DEER RD | Property Record | Wisconsin Historical Society
NAMES
Historic Name:Charlie and Mary Fenz Residence
Other Name:The Speakeasy
Contributing:
Reference Number:131146
PROPERTY LOCATION
Location (Address):600 W BROWN DEER RD
County:Milwaukee
City:Bayside
Township/Village:
Unincorporated Community:
Town:8
Range:22
Direction:E
Section:5
Quarter Section:
Quarter/Quarter Section:
PROPERTY FEATURES
Year Built:1933
Additions:
Survey Date:200420122019
Historic Use:house
Architectural Style:English Revival Styles
Structural System:
Wall Material:Limestone
Architect:
Other Buildings On Site:
Demolished?:Yes
Demolished Date:2022
NATIONAL AND STATE REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
National/State Register Listing Name:Not listed
National Register Listing Date:
State Register Listing Date:
NOTES
Additional Information:The rear elevation is sheathed with brick. The house is topped with a hipped roof covered with terra cotta barrel tile; exposed rafter tails accent the open eaves. The facade features a steeply pitched, projecting front-gabled entrance with a recessed, round-arched doorway that is surmounted by an arched, multiple-light window above. Tripartite window groupings are located on either side of the entrance and feature leaded glass, multiple-light casement windows accented by modern awnings. Second level windows, which break the roof line, consist of double-hung sashes set in paired and tripartite groupings. The one-story wing to the east is also topped with barrel tile and consists of diamond-paned windows; the wing is fronted by a modern canopied entrance that reads "The Speakeasy". The rear elevation is dominated by a large brick chimney and a 1980, wooden deck addition. A stone chimney rises from the west elevation.

The house remained in the Fenz family until 1953 and from a least 1962 to present housed a bar/restaurant. The current owner Dean Bruel, bought the property from his father Fred Bruel, c.1980. His father bought it in 1962. It is currently also known as "The Speakeasy."

2019: Little or no change. Update photo.
Bibliographic References:Atlas, Town of Milwaukee (W.W. Hixson, 1930?), City Directories, Tax Rolls “Architecture and History Survey: I-43” WHS project number 12-0649/MI/OZ. 2012. Prepared by Mead & Hunt Inc.
RECORD LOCATION
Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin

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