Property Record
MILWAUKEE ST OVER THE ROCK RIVER
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | MILWAUKEE STREET BRIDGE |
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| Other Name: | MILWAUKEE STREET BRIDGE |
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| Reference Number: | 27180 |
| Location (Address): | MILWAUKEE ST OVER THE ROCK RIVER |
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| County: | Jefferson |
| City: | Watertown |
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| Year Built: | 1930 |
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| Additions: | 1983 |
| Survey Date: | 1986 |
| Historic Use: | concrete bridge |
| Architectural Style: | NA (unknown or not a building) |
| Structural System: | Concrete Arch |
| Wall Material: | Concrete |
| Architect: | Daniel B. Luten |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 2008 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| 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. HAER WI-33. The Milwaukee St. Bridge was built in 1930 by the Eau Claire Engineering company. It was designed by master bridge engineer Daniel B. Luten. In 1929 the former bridge had been declared unsafe and contracting with another firm, the city went with Luten and his company, because he would design the bridge for a percentage of the contractor's fee, instead of an additional fee. The bridge has remained largely unaltered but in 1983 it was redecked. The Milwaukee Street Bridge has some historical interest as one of two fine concrete arch bridges in the community. It indicates the city of Watertown's commitment to improvement of its public works and infrastructure. However, the bridge is primarily significant because of its architectural-engineering significance as an advanced design by the work of a master bridge designer. Constructed in 1930 over the Rock River at the intersection of the river and Milwaukee Street, this bridge is constructed entirely of concrete. Featuring a roadbed or deck placed above three arched spans of concrete, the Milwaukee Street Bridge is characterized further by a concrete railing or balustrade. The Milwaukee Street Bridge is significant as an example of the concrete arch bridge. Well-maintained, the Milwaukee Street Bridge is one of two similarly constructed bridges of the Rock River in Watertown. The other bridge, the Cole Memorial Bridge, built in 1931 on Main Street, directly north of the Milwaukee Bridge, in combination with the Milwaukee Street Bridge contributes to the picturesqueness of the city's riverfront. Bridge demolished and replaced circa 2008. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Bronze Plaque. (B) Jeffrey A. Hess and Robert M. Frame, III, Historic Highway Bridges in Wisconsin, Vol. I, Intensive Survey Forms, Madison: Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 1986, inventory forms for the Milwaukee Street Bridge in Watertown. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |