Property Record
629 MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Y.M.C.A. |
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| Other Name: | Western Wisconsin Technical Institute |
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| Reference Number: | 33165 |
| Location (Address): | 629 MAIN ST |
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| County: | La Crosse |
| City: | La Crosse |
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| Year Built: | 1908 |
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| Additions: | 1983 |
| Survey Date: | 19962017 |
| Historic Use: | recreational building/gymnasium |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Parkinson and Dockendorff |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Massive projecting cornice with block dentil ornament and hanging shields with stylized YMCA symbol. Massive pier formations flank the facade. Heavy belt courses divide the structure horizontally; segmental arched lower story windows with articulated voussoirs; projecting one bay, one story entrance with arched door, scroll keystone and Y.M.C.A. inscription. Addition at rear; altered windows. Designed by Parkinson and Dockendorff and dedicated during President Taft's visit in October of 1909, the YMCA Building is important architecturally to the community as a representative turn of the century social structure. Unfortunately when it was "restored" much of the architectural character was altered. President William H. Taft dedicated the building in October 1909. 2017 UPDATE - THIS BUILDING LOOKS SUBSTANTIALLY LIKE IT DID WHEN LAST SURVEYED IN 1996. 1996- "This large, four story, brick structure with a flat roof is rectangular and features an arched, masonry entrance with a detailed keystone. The windows of the first level are equally decorative, including stout masonry work, above which is a stone belt course. A dentiled cornice circles the entire structure, and projecting corner bays are adorned with sculpted masonry, including Collegiate Gothic, shield-like forms. While the masonry and cornice work are interesting, they are not particularly unique. Moreover, the entire structure contains all new window treatments, which detract from the building's historic integrity." - "La Crosse North/South Transportation Corridor", WisDOT ID #5991-04-00, Prepared by Heritage Research, Ltd. (1996). The YMCA played an important role in the social history of La Crosse. The fact that President Taft dedicatd the structure in 1909 when it was completed, helped to make it important. Rehabilitated for WWTC. Builder/contractor: C. W. Noble "1906 plans for Y.W.C.A. gymnasium in Mrs. Anderson homestead barn. -Wells Bennett, architect -cost: between $3,500 & $4,000 La Crosse Tribune 7/2/06, p.5" |
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| Bibliographic References: | La Crosse (Wisconsin) Tribune 15 September 1983, p. 17. Sanborn-Perris Map, City of La Crosse, 1939. La Crosse City Directory, 1909. La Crosse Leader Press, 16 June 1908, 18 September 1908. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |