Property Record
816 N GRAND AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | ORIENT BLOCK; New Exchange Hotel |
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| Other Name: | PUTNEY SHOPS |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 28701 |
| Location (Address): | 816 N GRAND AVE |
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| County: | Waukesha |
| City: | Waukesha |
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| Year Built: | 1870 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Stone - Unspecified |
| Architect: | Unknown |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Downtown 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 Statement: The New Exchange Hotel is a three story structure faced with small blocks of regularly coursed limestone. Dominating the facade are tiers of round arches, including six round headed window openings on the second and third stories, topped by small decorative arcade pattern. The storefront has recently been remodeled, and a restoration took place in 1986. The building is in fair condition. It was owned in 1982 by Putney Associates of 315 W. Gorham Street, in Madison. Historical Statement: This was the first structure of the three-building complex now known as the Putney Block. It was built by Captain Foskett Maynard Putney, a farmer who took part in the Patriot War and the border contests in Michigan during the 1830's under a captains commission. In 1839, Putney moved to Wisconsin, and in 1845, was engaged in the shoe and leather business in Milwaukee, and in farming and hotel-keeping New Berlin. He also ran a stagecoach stop. In 1850, he moved to Waukesha and became the manager and eventually the owner of the Exchange Hotel on the southwest corner of Main and Grand. In response to the increased demand for tourist rooms created by the development of Bethesda Springs, Putney built the "New Exchange Hotel" behind the old hotel and operated it until his retirement in 1879. (For more information, see the NRHP nomination form). Other map codes include 1992 City Map 92/132, Map A 50/20, and Insert Map 142. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Waukesha Landmarks Nomination. B. THE FIVE POINTS DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT WALKING TOUR, WAUKESHA LANDMARKS COMMISSION. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |