Property Record
816 N EAST AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Martin Brown House |
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| Other Name: | St. Joseph Catholic Church Complex |
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| Reference Number: | 67881 |
| Location (Address): | 816 N EAST AVE |
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| County: | Waukesha |
| City: | Waukesha |
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| Year Built: | 1888 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | St. Joseph's Catholic Church Complex |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 10/28/1983 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | Multiple Resources of Waukesha |
| Additional Information: | There are six buildings in the St. Joseph Church complex; however, only two are nominated: the Brown House and the church building itself (separate record). The Brown House is constructed of brick. This two story residence repeats the basic L-shaped plan, fenestration and details which appear on a number of houses dating from 1875 to 1880. (See 142 W. Main WK 48/8). The design is dominated by the main gable end which contains three round headed windows on the second story and segmentally arched openings (two windows with side hall entrances) on the first. However, windows are narrower than on the majority of the designs and are 1/1 sash and include keystones in the caps. The main entrance is set beneath a transom and flanked by sidelights; the side wing repeats the pattern of the arches including keystones, but are less regularly disposed. A one story bay window has been added on the south face of the main block, and serves as a chapel area. The Martin Brown House is architecturally significant as a representative example of a period of construction. Transitional in design, the building reflects the massing of the Greek Revival period and the more delicate detailing associated with the Italianate style. A number of similar brick residences were erected in the vicinity of this structure during the late 1870's. This building and the Carroll House (142 W. Main) remain as the best examples of this house design. Other examples, located at 156 W. Main (WK 50/5) and 161 W. Main (WK 50/9) have been significantly altered. The interior of this residence has been remodeled and is not considered significant. The Brown House was originally the home of harness maker Martin Brown. The home was built around 1878 and remained a private residence until around the turn of the century when it became a convent. |
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| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |