Property Record
327 PEARL ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Gund Building |
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| Other Name: | Arenz Shoe Building |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 33538 |
| Location (Address): | 327 PEARL ST |
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| County: | La Crosse |
| City: | La Crosse |
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| Year Built: | 1885 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1996 |
| Historic Use: | small retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | La Crosse Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 9/2/1994 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 10/8/1993 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Projecting metal cornice with medillion trim visually supported by full lengths brick. Ends of the facade; projecting metal triaangular pediment projects from the center bay visually supported by full length brick piers with corbeled ends that also frame the elaborate two story three sided oriel window ornamented by Iron colonettes and pressed metal sway and festoon designs in the center bay of the three bay facade; store front has been completely altered; the "Gund" name is inscribed on the pediment. Generally maintained as it was constructed in 1885 with exceptional two story oriels, part of the Arenz Shoe Store, is a significant example of commercial architecture of the period designed in the electic style that was an alternative to the more popular commercial Italianate style. Built in 1885 by the Gund Brewery, with the first floor used as a saloon, as wa typical of the day. It was occupied by various proprietors and under various names until 1893 it becomes O.T. Wilson's Monarch Sample Room, with Jules J. Freas listed as a wine clerk. By the Bodega. This is the first time the Bodega appears anywhere. In 1909, the former saloon at 120 South 4th Street becomes the cigar annex (the two buildings back up to each other). In 1919, after Prohibition begins in 1918, the building is vacant. (The Bodgea reopens at 331 Peal Street, next door in 1926). In 1922 it becomes a clothing store; 1949 is the Broadway Cafe; and in close order is a Thom McCan Shoe Store, an insurance office, the Amundsen Piano and organ Store and in 1961 it becomes part of the Arena Shoe Store. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Building Inscription. B. Pratt and Owen, La Crosse Illustrated (La Crosse ARt Publishing Co., 1887; Reprint; 1978), p. 16. C. Dr. L. Crocker, "A Report on Some Historicla Structures in the Downtown AREa, La Crosse, Wis, 1977. D. City Tax Records E. City Directories. LaCrosse Tribune 4/16/1999. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |