Property Record
37-45 S 3RD AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Joseph F. Stroh Block |
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| Other Name: | Thorval T. Toft Law Office |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 49763 |
| Location (Address): | 37-45 S 3RD AVE |
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| County: | Door |
| City: | Sturgeon Bay |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
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| Year Built: | 1890 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2006 |
| Historic Use: | small office building |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | Unknown |
| Wall Material: | Wood |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Third Avenue Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 10/6/1983 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | 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. An ornately detailed cornice of pressed metal, capped by one-bay-off-center pointed arch pediment accents this double commercial block. The cast lintels and the intact iron and wood storefront (North side) show the richness of the original detailing. Modification to the larger store front (South side) and the neutralizing effect of a monochromatic painting scheme camouflage this building's original architectural quality, what remains, however, is significant as an example of a once common commercial style within the District. The Commercial Hotel was on the second story of this commercial block and dominated its function through the turn of the century. Prior to 1890, the property noted above was owned by Mrs. Peter Larch. Mrs. Larch had a building on her property but it is not possible to determine where, as she owned several contiguous lots. In 1990 Mrs. Larch sold the South 45' of Lot 5 to the Trossen Estate. The Trossen Estate property was valued at $325. In 1890, Joseph Stroh acquired the property and erected a building which raised the property's value to $2,200 by 1891. Stroh was partner of C. Leonhardt's in the hotel, sewing machine and construction businesses. In 2006: The southern storefront has been restored since last surveyed in 1982. Previously surveyed in 1982 and 2006. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Carved stone at the cornice. B. Kahlert, Early Door County Buildings, p. 92. C. Sanborn Perris Maps of Sturgeon Bay, 1885-1891. D. Tax Rolls -n The City of Sturgeon Bay. E. Beers, Biographical Record of Door Co., p. 566. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |