Property Record
MAIN ST AT MAIN AND NORTH CO. J INTERSECTION
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | BENTON HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM |
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| Other Name: | BENTON SCHOOL GYMNASIUM |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 66698 |
| Location (Address): | MAIN ST AT MAIN AND NORTH CO. J INTERSECTION |
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| County: | Lafayette |
| City: | Benton |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
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| Year Built: | 1936 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | elementary, middle, jr.high, or high |
| Architectural Style: | Art Deco |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | WPA; Parkinson and Dockendorff |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| 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 State Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. A brick gymnasium structure that has a round arched roof. Round recessed arched areas that unite the two level, single windows decorate the arched front facade. White stone bands contrast with the brick to form a decorated pattern on the symmetrically designed frnot facade. The projecting central bay emphasizes the four doored entrance. The auditorium addition was constructed as a WPA project. This building is important as a visual landmark to the community and some architectural importance as a WPA project. The Benton School Gymnasium is associated with the development of education in Benton. It was also WPA Project of the 1930s. The gymnasium was built in the late 1930s and is now connected to the elementary school. It was originally used as the high school gym until the mid-seventies when the new high school was built. The Works Progress Administration funded the project in part. Two classrooms at the right were built at the same time. The high school was formerly on the site where the playground is located. Since 1976, the gymnasium has been used by the elementary school. Glued laminated arches provided by Unit Structures, Inc. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Benton Advocate Sept,. 17, 1954. Dodgeville Public School E-file, SHSW archives. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |