Property Record
201-203 N WATER ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Keenan Building / Mendel, Smith & Co. Grocery Whlslrs |
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| Other Name: | WAREHOUSE OUTLET STORE |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 71330 |
| Location (Address): | 201-203 N WATER ST |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1886 |
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| Additions: | 1908 1889 |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | warehouse |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | Brick |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
| Architect: | Herman W. Buemming-1908 |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Historic Third Ward District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 3/8/1984 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Builder was Matthew Keenan. SEE HAER FORM. The M in the photo code is short for MVIS negatives. This five-story cream brick building has its original storefronts with newer glazing and panelling, double-hung windows and wooden beams. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE: This five-story structure was originally a four-story wholesale grocery owned by Mendel, Smith & Co. By 1900 the firm was no longer listed but Alfred Medel, a buyer, was still at this address. In 1908 Morawetz & Co., a wholesale hat, glove & fur dealer turned manufacturer occupied the building adding the fifth floor and a pelt-drying shed on the roof. In 1934, a new stairway was added to the rear and a plaster partition installed. Rhea Manufacturing, dressmakers, occupied the northern one-half of the building, followed in 1941 by Milwaukee Knit products. In c. 1947 Schmitt Orlow Manufacturing Co. opened a men's clothing factory and store; now known as Schmitt-Orlow-Stumps, the firm has ceased manufacturing and shares the building with Stuart Manufacturing Co., a women's clothing factory and outlet store. 1908 - Fifth floor added. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. City of Milwaukee Master Property File. B. Building permit. C. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 5/6/1997. D. Historic Third Ward Walking Tour, Historic Third Ward Association, 1998. Milwaukee Sentinel 8/20/1886, 3/2. Historic Third Ward Historic Walking Tour, Historic Third Ward Association, 2009. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |