Property Record
403 S BARSTOW ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Hobbs Realty Co.; Schmitt Music |
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| Other Name: | Greater Midwest Mercantile |
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| Reference Number: | 40911 |
| Location (Address): | 403 S BARSTOW ST |
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| County: | Eau Claire |
| City: | Eau Claire |
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| Year Built: | 1924 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19972019 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Art Deco |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Edward J. Hancock |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Designed by local architect, Edward Hancock, this three story commercial building is one of two structures located in the city's central business district which are faced with terra cotta tiles. The other building is at 8-10 S. Barstow Street (it currently houses Ferings Home Furnishings), 1p/25, and may also have been designed by Hancock. The colored tiles are visible on the upper two stories of the three story building, which represents the Art Deco Style. An abbreviated parapet marks the top of the structure. Within the parapet and in the area immediately below, narrow panels are outlined and accented by trefoils - a favored motif of the Art Deco Style. A row of projecting elements, again containing the trefoil design, lines the top of the third floor windows. Small lights are located in this projectings feature. Arranged 1-3-1, the windows on both the second and third stories are long, narrow, multi-paned openings. The piers which divide the windows give the building a vertical orientation. Decorative panels separate the banks of windows. On the lower level, metal siding obscures a large portion of the facade. Modern display windows have also been added. A significant architectural feature within Eau Claire's business area, this building should be considered for National register nomination, if rehabilitation respecting the building's architectural integrity occurs. 2019: New windows in the second and third stories, transoms removed although spandrel panel remains |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Barland, L.. 1965. The Rivers Flow On, p. 293. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |