Property Record
1843-1845 N PALMER ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | JAMES KNOX HOUSE |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 45305 |
| Location (Address): | 1843-1845 N PALMER ST |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
| Township/Village: | |
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| Year Built: | 1881 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Chas. Gombert |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Brewers Hill Historic District (Boundary Increase) |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 4/27/1995 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 10/25/1994 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | Multiple Resources of N. 3rd St. - Brewers' Hill |
| Additional Information: | Originally this building was part of the Vine/Reservoir Historic District (listed: 8/2/84). Locally designated: 11/12/85. A June 1979 survey list 1892 as an additional date of construction. Excellent example of unusual form of brick residence. Almost totally original in form and appearance including original dectorative brickwork and elaborate lintels and unusual Gothic Revival arched gable window. ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENT: Description: The house is a substantial two-story brick and stone masonry building in the Queen Anne Style. The asymmetrical composition features a projection on the east front elevation with large double-hung windows on both floors and a steeply pitched gable with a short gothic-arched window above. Between openings decorative brick panels display a variety of detailing. Several horizontal bands of recessed brick soldier courses extend around the house at several levels. Windows feature stone sills and lintels. The roof is a tall mansard with patterned slate shingles. Regularly spaced brackets support the eave on the front portion of the house. A porch has been removed from the front elevation and changes have been made to the entry openings. Significance: The house is architecturally significant as a fine example of the Queen Anne style executed in masonry. Although it is presently not well-maintained, it is a significant building because of its remaining level of detail. The decorative brick panels and horizontal banding, combined with the asymmetrical plan, create an uncommon design. HISTORICAL STATEMENT: The house was constructed circa 1881 by masonry contractor John Kraatz & Sons, and carpenter Heinrach Ferge. The architect was C. A. Gombert. It was built for George Paul Scheiderer, a tanner, who during construction went bankrupt due to an incapacitating injury (he suffered amputation of both feet resulting from a train accident). The house ended up being sold in 1883 to Daniel Suess for $2,500, and he became the first occupant. It is interesting to note that Gombert had a lien on the property in the amount of $80.94. The house remained in the Suess family until 1907; it was later converted to a rooming house. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Tax Program. Milwaukee Blue Book, 1897. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |