Property Record
122-128 E LAKE ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | FARGO BLOCK |
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| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 6948 |
| Location (Address): | 122-128 E LAKE ST |
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| County: | Jefferson |
| City: | Lake Mills |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
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| Year Built: | 1893 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 197420142018 |
| Historic Use: | bank/financial institution |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
| Architect: | Van Ryn & Lesser |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Lake Mills Downtown Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 4/5/2019 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 11/30/2018 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | A 'site file' titled Lake Mills Downtown Commercial Historic District 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, Division of Historic Preservation-Public History. This two-story commercial building was constructed by the Fargo family in 1893. Joseph Spangler of the City of Jefferson served as the builder and masonry contractor. It is clad in a combination of brick and cut-stone veneer. It has a flat roof with overhanging eaves supported by decorative brackets and an entablature with a repetitive garland motif and scrollwork below. The storefront of the front (north) facade was altered c.1995. The fenestration and entryways were altered and a stone veneer, rounded arch surrounds, and pilasters were added. Entryways consist of modern plate glass with fixed sidelights and transoms, and groups of three fixed-pane plate glass storefront windows. A wood stringcourse with a modern sign and a simple belt course supported by decorative brackets spans the length of the front facade separates the first- and second-story storefronts. The second-story facade features two bay windows with replacement, one-over-one, double-hung sash arched lintels with simple cornice detail, and rounded arch and geometric details above. The remaining second-story windows are replacement one-over-one, double-hung sash with stone sills and arched lintels. Three panels located above the windows with decorative scrollwork read “18” “Fargo Block” “93.” Based on an August 2014 site visit, the interior of the building has been altered and confirms the changes discussed in the c.1995 Lake Mills Leader article by Dr. Roland Liebenow. The article stated the interior was substantially remodeled in 1980 and again sometime in the 1990s. The Fargo Block housed the Fargo Bank along with two other commercial businesses on the first floor and approximately 10 office suites on the second floor. Fargo Bank opened for business in 1894 and provided residents with an alternative to Greenwood’s State Bank. The bank remained in operation until 1978 when a new bank was constructed on Madison Street. Based on research and a site visit, the exterior and interior of the building have experienced significant alterations. In 1913 the bank removed the wall on the east side of the bank to create additional customer service space. After a bank robbery in 1935, the teller area was remodeled. The interior space was remodeled once again in 1965 to accommodate the law offices of Ferry and Neupert. Fargo Bank moved out in 1978. Two years later, the law offices were remodeled, the old vault door was removed, and a wall was constructed to separate the former bank building from the business space to the east. At some point during the late 1980s and 1990s the entire second floor of the Fargo Building was rebuilt. The stairs were replaced with an elevator and the second-story office space was reconfigured. 1974- SHALLOW ORIELS SURMOUNTED BY CLASSICAL BALUSTRADES5 ROUND ARCHED WINDOWS BETWEENORIELS EGYPTIAN LOOKING ENTRY |
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| Bibliographic References: | Date plate on the second-story front (north) facade. Liebenow, “Fargo Block Gets a New Face,” Lake Mills Leader, article obtained from law office, August 2014. Lake Mills Leader: April 6, 1893, p. 3; June 8, 1893, p. 3; October 12, 1893, p. 3; January 4, 1894, p. 3; October 23, 1913, p. 1.. Roland R. Liebenow. People, Their Places, and Things: 50 More Tales From Lake Mills. Lake Mills, 2010, pp. 45-49 (illustrated). |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |