Property Record
321-327 SOUTH ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | COLUMBIA BLOCK |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 28710 |
| Location (Address): | 321-327 SOUTH ST |
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| County: | Waukesha |
| City: | Waukesha |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
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| Year Built: | 1895 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1980 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| 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: | Earlier in this century, the building housed the city hall and library. Restored in the early 1980s. The Columbia Block is a two story structure, composed of stone on the first story, brick on the second. Five storefronts are accomodated by the building and are defined by cut stone piers on the first floor which are expressed as brick pilasters on the second story and shaped parapets at the roof line. An intermediate pilaster further divides the second story bay into two sections, each filled by pairs of rectangular windows. Stone sills and iron lintels, punctuated by paterae and topped by brick dentils, enhance each window opening. A band of brick corbelling marks the cornice, beneath the pattern of parapets. A diminuitive bartizan accents the corner. The majority of the storefronts display original transoms and kick panels and enhance the overall design. The Columbia Block is a well preserved example of late ninteenth century commercial design. The rhythmic cornice line, restrained detail and repetition of motifs unifies the large scale building, which dominates the western segment of South Street. The Columbia Block is an important example of Waukesha's late ninteenth century commercial styles and a pivotal building in the district. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) The Five Points Downtown Historic District Walking Tour, Waukesha Landmarks Commission, 1994. (B) Sanborn-Perris Map of Waukesha, 1895 (not on 1890 map). (C) Building name above entrance. (D) City Records. (E) "A Brief History of the Waukesha Public Library," Waukesha Daily Freeman, 75th Anniversary Edition, 1934, p. 81. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |