click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
| Location (Address) | 475 N. Water St. |
|---|---|
| County | Grant |
| City/Village | Platteville |
| Township | |
| Unincorporated community | |
| Town | |
| Range | |
| Direction | |
| Section | |
| Quarter Section | |
| Quarter Quarter Section |
Property Features
| Year Built | 1940 |
|---|---|
| Additions | |
| Survey Date | 2005 |
| Historic Use | armory |
| Architectural Style | Art Deco |
| Structural System | |
| Wall Material | Brick |
| Architect | Henry C. Hengels |
| Other Buildings On Site | |
| Demolished | No |
| Demolished Date | |
| Additional Comments | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. 2025: The Platteville Army National Guard Armory was constructed between 1940 and 1942 following a design by Wisconsin state architect Henry C. Hengels. Representing the Art Deco style and designed to accommodate National Guard functions as well as community events, the building features a distinct headhouse and drill hall plan; a symmetrical façade with a prominent center bay that incorporates military insignia at various locations; the use of glass block windows in each elevation; and an overall vertical emphasis achieved through the use of multiple pilasters and a front bay that projects above the primary roofline. Although local architect Henry Kleinhammer submitted a design for the building, the City instead utilized a design by state military architect Henry Hengels (Hengel's plans are located along with Kleinhammer's dismissed plans within the Kleinhammer Collection at the Southwest Wisconsin Room, UW-Platteville). THIS TWO-STORY, BRICK, T-SHAPED STRUCTURE RESTS UPON AN ELEVATED BASEMENT. CONNECTING A FLAT ROOFED MAIN WING AND A ROUND ARCHED EAST WING IS A CENTRAL BAY (PAVILLION), WHICH PROJECTS ABOVE AND IN FRONT OF THE REMAINING STRUCTURE. THE ROUND ARCHED EAST WING HOUSES AN AUDITORIUM. BRICK PIERS DEFINE THE ENTRANCE, WHILE BRICK PIERS OR BUTTRESSES BREAK UP THE FACADE AND THE SIDE ELEVATIONS. DECORATIVE CHECKER BOARD TRIM, GLASS BLOCK AND A TRANSOM WINDOW OVER THE THREE-DOOR ENTRANCE ACCENT THE CENTRAL ENTRANCE BAY. THE DATE OF CONSTRUCTION IS INDICATED AS 1940, ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING PLAQUE. (SEE BIB. REF. A). Historical/Architectural Survey: "Selected Armories of the Wisconsin Army National Guard" Heritage Research Ltd. Constructed between 1940 and 1942 and designed by Lt. Col. Henry Hengels, the Platteville armory is a restrained example of the Art Deco style of architecture. Many windows have been replaced, although the original size of the openings have been retained, as have many of the structure's original glass block windows. The Platteville Armory includes a drill hall and auditorium and was funded with a combination of city and WPA monies. The structure exhibits a good degree of historical integrity. |
| Bibliographic References | A. BUILDING PLAQUE. B. HENRY KLEINHAMMER COLLECTION, UW-PLATTEVILLE. C. "Historical/Architectural Survey: Selected Armories of the Wisconsin Army National Guard," Prepared by Heritage Research, Ltd. (2005) D. "Platteville Army National Guard Armory" Determination of Eligibility Form prepared by Heritage Research, Ltd. (2006) |
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
| National/State Register Listing Name | Platteville Army National Guard Armory |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date | Apr 10, 2026 |
| State Register Listing Date | Nov 14, 2025 |
| Contributing |
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or notice some information on this property needs to be updated, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
475 N Water St
100012899
Located in Platteville, Grant County
Platteville Army National Guard Armory Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Thursday, April 23, 2026
The Platteville Army National Guard Armory was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on April 10, 2026.
