Property Record
321 W MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | CALVIN JACKSON BLOCK |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | LAING'S MENS WEAR |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 28723 |
| Location (Address): | 321 W MAIN ST |
|---|---|
| County: | Waukesha |
| City: | Waukesha |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1858 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1980 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Limestone |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Downtown Historic District |
|---|---|
| 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: | The Jackson Block was constructed in 1858-1859 to replace an earlier drugstore which had been destroyed by a fire. The facade displays the local stone, dressed as small blocks and laid in regular courses. The fenestration of the second and third stories is asymmetrically arranged with the rows of rectangular windows terminating (to the east) in narrow round headed units. All windows are capped by carved hood molds which, in some instances retain carved pendants and pediments. The third story windows also rest on lug sills. A metal cornice completes the composition of the Jackson Block, and consists of simple brackets alternating with rosettes. The storefront has been altered; however transom glass is visible beneath the green panels which conceal the facade. The fenestration of the upper stories suggests a stair door was originally located off center in the storefont; this has been removed. The Jackson Block, significant as a representative example of a period of construction, is one of the fine examples of Italianate style commercial buildings remaining in Waukesha, and was constructed of the attractive local stone. The Barnes Block (329-333 W. Main Street WK 6/23) is somewhat similar, and was also constructed in 1858-1859. Calvin Jackson opened his drug store on this site in 1854. After a fire destroyed the original frame building, Jackson built the present structure. He remained a druggist at this location until his retirement in 1882. Numerous other commercial ventures have occupied the building since. |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | (A) Waukesha County Democrat, March 2 1858; May 23, 1858; Feb. 9, 1859. (B) Portrait and Biographical Record of Waukesha County, Wisconsin, 1894, p. 782. (C) Zimmerman, #748. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |