Property Record
435 JEFFERSON ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Otto Demmler Residence |
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| Reference Number: | 41431 |
| Location (Address): | 435 JEFFERSON ST |
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| County: | Eau Claire |
| City: | Eau Claire |
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| Year Built: | 1887 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1981 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
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| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
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| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | This is a late Queen Anne residence. The two story clapboard structure retains the corner tower and somewhat irregular massing characteristic of the Queen Anne style but the classically detailed veranda supported by doric columns, and the more ordered facade suggest a Colonial Revival influence. The foundation is made of concrete and the roof is covered in asphalt shingles. The main facade faces the North. This dwelling is in excellent condition. The Demmler greenhouse was located behind the residence (see 1897 Sanborn-Perris Map). HISTORICAL STATEMENT: Otto Demmler, born and educated in Berlin, Germany, came to Eau Claire in 1885 and started a florist and seedsman business with his brother Edmund. Otto later opened a greenhouse containing 6,070 square feet of glass and heated by hot water and relocated the florist business to the rear of this home. Mr. Demmler died in 1927 and the business was carried on by his son, Walter. (SEE BIB. REF. A, B) The land on which the Demmler greenhouses stood became a city park in 1992. 2016- "This Clasic Revival Style house is actually characterized by a combination of styles including Queen Anne with its two-story clapboard siding and massing and an influence of Colonial Revival with its detailed veranda and porch expressed by its triangular pediment, slim Doric porch columns and simplified moldings. Otto Demmler and his brother Edmund started a florist and seedsman business at 427 Oxford Avenue. In 1887 Otto built this house and relocated the florist business to the rear of the home and built six greenhouses totaling over 6,000 square feet. The land on which the Demmler greenhouses stood became Demmler Park in 1992." -"Eau Claire Landmarks: Designated Historic Properties in Eau Claire, Wisconsin", Eau Claire Landmarks Commission, P.O. Box 5148, 2016. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. DATE OF CONSTRUCTION - ASSESSOR CARDS; STRUCTURE DOES NOT APPEAR ON 1897 SANBORN PERRIS MAP. B. BARLAND, LOIS. 1965. "SAWDUST CITY." C. "HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY," P. 824. D. MATERIALS, STRUCTURAL SYSTEM - SANBORN PERRIS FIRE INSURANCE MAPS, AREA RESEARCH CENTER, UW-EC LIBRARY. Eau Claire Landmarks booklet published by the Landmarks Commission in 2002. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |