| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office.
2015- Alterations include the removal of cornice dentils, replacement glass block windows have been reversed and replaced with double-hung windows, chimney removed, original metalwork on the transom removed.
The Ladysmith Free Library was constructed in 1907 in the Neo-Classical style. It was designed by the Madison firm
Claude and Starck and construction was funded by a grant from Andrew Carnegie. The one-story building is of brick
construction, with a half-story raised basement clad in rusticated sandstone topped with a limestone water table. Paired,
one-over-one, double-hung windows are located in the exposed rusticated sandstone raised basement. Brick quoins are
on all corners of the building. The hip roof is covered with asphalt shingles and features overhanging eaves and a wide
detailed cornice.
A set of newly poured concrete stairs flanked by rusticated sandstone wingwalls provide access to the Neo-Classical
portico with a recessed entrance flanked by two wood Ionic columns topped with a pointed pediment. The original door
and transom opening are below the inscription "Free Library." The transom is now clear glass with the inscription "Bed &
Breakfast." Windows on the front (south) facade consist of pairs of double-hung sash with transoms and limestone lintels
and sills. Remaining windows consist of double-hung replacement sash with transoms, glass block, and fixed windows,
all with limestone lintels and sills. The side (east) elevation has fixed glass block windows on the first floor and one-overone
double-hung windows on the raised basement. The side (west) elevation has fixed glass block windows on both the
basement and first floor.
Alterations have been made to the property, including the removal of cornice dentils. The library was altered in 2001 with
a modern brick addition to the rear (north) elevation and a one-story porch added onto the addition. The windows on the
facade have been changed a number of times over the years; replacement glass block windows have been reversed and
replaced with double-hung windows. Original metalwork on the transom above the main entrance on the front south
facade has been removed as well as the chimney.
Access during the survey was restricted to the exterior. Mead & Hunt spoke with the property owner on the phone to
obtain information regarding the interior of the building, when alterations were made, and funding for the project, including
the use of historic tax credits. The owner noted that the interior of the building has been converted into six separate
guestrooms and a common space. Photos of the property on the business's website were also reviewed for additional
information.
Carnegie awarded Ladysmith with $10,000 on February 6, 1907, for the construction of a library building. Claude and
Starck were selected to design the structure. The Ladysmith Free Library opened on February 1, 1908, and served the
community for nearly 90 years. In 1916 fire destroyed the original wood floors; these were replaced. The library moved to
a new building c.1997.
Originally funded by a grant from Andrew Carnegie, the building served as the public library for almost 90 years. In the early 2000s the library was sold and converted into a bed and breakfast. It retains character-defining features of the Neo-Classical style, such as tall
classically inspired columns and a symmetrical design. The property was included in a statewide survey of public libraries
in 1999. Aside from adding an ADA ramp within the existing footprint of the sidewalk in front of the property,
project activities are limited to the existing roadway footprint.
2001- a modern brick addition to the rear (north) elevation and a one-story porch added onto the addition.
BRICK CNR QUOINS. ROUGH CUT SANDSTONE HIGH FOUNDATION. IONIC ENTRANCE PORTICO. DOOR W/ROMAN WINDOW TRANSOM AND MOULDED CORNICE. WINDOWS REPLACED W/GLASS BLOCK. ANDREW CARNEGIE GAVE $10,000 TOWARDS BLDG.
As of 1998, the Carnegie Library building is privately owned and is being converted for use as a bed and breakfast. (A). The library moved out in 1997. |
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