Property Record
230 N FRONT ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | W.A. Roosevelt Company |
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| Other Name: | LaCrosse Salvage Co. |
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| Reference Number: | 29594 |
| Location (Address): | 230 N FRONT ST |
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| County: | La Crosse |
| City: | La Crosse |
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| Year Built: | 1918 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1996 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Chicago Commercial Style |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Parkinson And Dockendorff |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Roosevelt, W. A., Company |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 2/16/1984 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| 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. BUILDING HOUSED A REGIONALLY IMPORTANT WHOLESALE PLUMBING OPERATION. Rusticated lower story with four story segmental arched bays organizing the upper stories; recessed multi-paned windows grouping in the vertical bays; contrasting white cast stone window sills; belt courses; stylized ornamental plaques and coping; building repaired with brick of same style on north-west corner after 1965 flood; copper hood over side lighted entrance door. Designed by Parkinson and Dockendorff in 1916, the W.A. Roosevelt Building is as significant well maintained exmaple of early 20th century architecture inspired by the earlier Chicago Commerical style and Prairie School ornament. Used as a plumbing and heating warehouse and office, the Roosevelt Building is an important representation of the work of Parkinson and Dockindorff, local architects. The W.A. Roosevelt Co. was established in 1868 and incorporated in 1888. In 1904 it was located at 212-216 South Front Street with James McCord, President and Treasurer; Agnes Roosevelt-McCord, Vice-President; and Allan C. McCord, Secretary. James McCord also owned the McCord Drug Co., wholesale druggist, at 206-208-210 North Front St. The Roosevelt Co. was a wrought iron pipe, brass and iron goods, pumps and tools, jobber. W.A. Roosevelt settled in La Crosse in 1868. He was a steamboat man who became involved in supply sales of steamboat parts and machinery. The company became large and successful owning several buildings along Front Street. Roosevelt became one of the city's main jobbers of hardware, pumps, pipes, and fittings for steam engines. He represents the use of the wholesale trade at La Crosse as well as the early association of La Crosse with the steamboat trade. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) La Crosse (WI) Tribune, August 27, 1978, p. 14. (B) La Crosse of Today (1904), p. 15. (A) Building Inscription. (B) La Crosse Tribune, 15 January 1916, 28 November 1916. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |