252 S CENTRAL AVE

252 S CENTRAL AVE

Wood

Marshfield

1918

2007

bank/financial institution

Neoclassical/Beaux Arts

Brick

Louis F. Dow Co.

No

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. Built in 1922, this brick Neo-Classical bank building is prominently located on the northwest corner of Central Avenue and Third Street. Rising two stories, it is a simply massed, with a recessed facade dominated by two heavy columns in antis to weighty corner pilasters. Concrete coping and accents crown a wide flat parapet rising above the cornice. The projecting rim of the cornice is decorated with delicate dentils. Below the projection and above the columns and pilasters a wide frieze is punctuated with pater in blocks above the pilasters. The broad, flat wall surface is pierced with large window openings. On the second story, the multi-pane over one double hung wood sash windows rest on simple concrete sills. The sills are connected as a single band beneath the windows between the interior pilasters on the side wall. The lintels are unadorned. First story windows hav ebeen filled in, but their surrounds are still visible, and are similar to those on the second floor. The building rests on a concrete water table which also serves as a base to the columns and pilasters. Inappropriate signage and shutters have been added. These changes, in addition to the filled-in windows, are reversible, and do not affect the integrity of the building. Between 1904 and 1912, the Marshfield State Bank replaced a jewelry store on this site. The bank was organized in November of 1907 and chartered in February of 1908. In 1918 the bank built the present building with bank space on the first floor, and rental office on the second floor. The bank suffered a major fire in January of 1922 which destroyed the interior of the building. In April of that year it was consolidated with the First National Bank of Marshfield, whose building was located across Third Street at 300-302 South Central. The Cloverland State Bank (incorporated in October, 1922) took over the burned building, remodeled it and operated there until December 7, 1932 when it closed. The building continued to hold various businesses until 1949, when it was maintained by the Marshfield Bible Center and Rural Bible Crusade, who remained at this address until at least 1962. Nelson's Shoe Repair moved in by 1970 and remained until at least 1975. The building currently holds numerous offices and is owned by Green Roof Investments, LLP. The building is the only remaining element of a significant corner anchored for many years by banking establishments. Previously surveyed in 2005. THIS BUILDING WAS NOT REPHOTOGRAPHED FOR THE 2005 SURVEY.

(A) Datestone. (B) Sanborn Insurance Maps: Marshfield, Wisconsin - 1884, 1887, 1891, 1898, 1904, 1912, 1935, 1946. (C) Marshfield News-Herald, 7 June, 1972, p. 18. (D) Marshfield Walking Tour brochure, 2000. (E) SCHNITZLER, DONALD H. (ED.) THE MARSHFIELD STORY. VOL. 2., EAGLE RIVER, WI, 200, P. 261. The Marshfield Times - November 27, 1918 (1/5); January 28, 1922 (front page); July 1, 1922 (1/6); August 5, 1922 (1/3, 19); December 7, 1932 (1/5).

Not Listed