Property Record
402 WISCONSIN AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Samuel Hadfield Guest House |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 16815 |
| Location (Address): | 402 WISCONSIN AVE |
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| County: | Waukesha |
| City: | Waukesha |
| Township/Village: | |
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| Year Built: | 1883 |
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| Additions: | 1890 1884 |
| Survey Date: | 1992 |
| Historic Use: | hotel/motel |
| Architectural Style: | Second Empire |
| Structural System: | Balloon Frame |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
| Architect: | Unknown |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Wisconsin Avenue Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 10/28/1983 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | Multiple Resources of Waukesha |
| Additional Information: | Architectural Description: "In 1883, Aaron Putney's son-in-law, Samuel Hadfield moved the Putney House (another house within the Wisconsin Avenue Historic District), to its present location at 406 Wisconsin Avenue. The Hadfield House (402 Wisconsin) was then located on the cleared site." [A]. The building stands two stories in height with the mansard roof covering an additional level of living space. "The facade is symmetrically composed with a central pavilion projecting to form the entrance. The window pairs are set beneath pedimented hood molds and bargeboards decorate the dormer gable peaks." [A]. A three story bay window rises on the east side of the building. A one story porch composed of posts with brackets at the eave, extends across the main south facade. "Constructed at the height of the resort era, the Hadfield House could easily accomodate sixty guests." [A]. The Hadfield House is one of the few Second Empire designs remaining in Waukesha. (See 352 Wisconsin Avenue, WK 4/25). Presently in fair condition, it was owned in 1982 by James L. Janikowski of 14504 Kostner Lane in New Berlin, Wisconsin. The building has most recently been used as apartments. Other map codes include Waukesha City Map 4/26 and City Map # 105. Architectural Significance: "The Hadfield House, at 402 Wisconsin Avenue, is nominated not only for architectural significance but also because of its association with Waukesha's development as a resort center. The other three buildings in the district are nominated because they represent a style, period or method of construction." [A]. Significant as a representative example of a period of construction from 1883 to 1917, the Hadfield House is one of the few examples of the Second Empire style in Waukesha and is distinguished by the fine detailing of fenestration, porch and dormers. The Showerman House, located across the street at 352 Wisconsin Avenue, imitates this design. (See WK 4/25). Historical Statement: The building was erected by Samuel Hadfield in 1883-1884 as a hotel. Hadfield operated it as such until his death in 1917 after which it was turned into apartments. It still operates as a rooming house. In order to build the hotel, Hadfield pruchased his in-laws home next door (the Putney House) and moved it four feet west. The home is an excellent example of the smaller hotels which developed during the spring era in the city and survives largely intact. [B, C]. Its period of significance, from 1884 to 1917, cooresponds to the years in which Hadfield operated the hotel. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. NRHP Nomination Form. B. Griswold, Wellard: Old Waukesha Buildings. "Landmark," Vol. 13 No. 2 1970 p. 11. C. "Waukesha Freeman," October 18, 1883 Vol. XXV No. 42 p. 1. D. Zimmermann, # 759. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |