Property Record
25-35 S BROWN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Otto Hilgermann Building |
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| Other Name: | Brown Street Books |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 21318 |
| Location (Address): | 25-35 S BROWN ST |
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| County: | Oneida |
| City: | Rhinelander |
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| Year Built: | 1915 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1995 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Prairie School |
| Structural System: | Brick |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | GEOMETRIC BRICKWORK DEFINES WALL BAYS. TERRA COTTA INSET PANELS. ELABORATE SULLIVANESQUE DETAILING ALONG CORNICE. COMPLETELY ALTERED 1ST FLR FRONT. 25-35 South Brown Street Otto Hilgermann Building This three-story, brick-veneered building was constructed for Otto A. Hilgermann in 1915 ("New Store Block for Rhinelander," New North, July 29, 1915, p. 1). It is a Prairie School commercial building with decorative brickwork, and terra cotta panels ornamented with geometric designs. The building has a parapet with a coping enriched with geometric patterning, and a rectangular cap, beneath which is a panel reading "Hilgermann." Otto Hilgermann (1845-1927) was the founder of the Rhinelander Brewing Company and its president from 1893 until 1914. The Hilgermann Building was originally divided into two storefronts, and early tenants included the Reed Drug Company (1918 until at least 1927), Lund's Drug Store (at least 1930 until at least 1936), Laugesen's clothing (1921), the Alhambra Cafe (1927), and Schultz Brothers Department Store (1936). The current single storefront, with its virtolite kick-plate, probably dates from circa 1940, when F. W. Woolworth moved into the commercial space. Woolworth moved out circa 1961, and the Trading Post, a sports goods store, moved in. The Trading Post remained in the building until at least 1991 (Rhinelander City Directories). The second and third floors contain a total of 16 apartments. The Hilgermann Building is an excellent local example of a Prairie School commercial building, and retains integrity. |
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| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |