Property Record
913-925 MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Christina Kuhl Block |
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| Other Name: | Gwidt's Drugstore and Piano Forte |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 72771 |
| Location (Address): | 913-925 MAIN ST |
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| County: | Portage |
| City: | Stevens Point |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Range: | |
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| Year Built: | 1885 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Romanesque Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Bernice Bartosz (murals) |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Mathias Mitchell Public Square--Main Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 8/13/1986 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| 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 Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation-Public History. Kuhl's Block was erected in 1885 on a prominent site facing onto Main Street and the Public Square. The two story brick building now reads as two buildings, due to remodeling and painting of the Gwidt Drug Store (913 Main) portion of the building. Windows on this part of the building have been bricked in, and the building has been painted. An arcature at the cornice remains, and flows into the other sections of the building (925 Main St. - Piano Forte). The original red brick remains on the exterior of 925 Main St. Limestone lintels and voussoirs (in arches over date stone and lunette) accent the facade. The cornice arcature is interrupted on this portion of the building by stepped pediments placed above two of the second story windows. These pediments probably corresponded to the original entrances on the first story. Both storefronts have been substantially remodeled. The intact secnod story of 925 Main Street and the cornice work, belt course, and articulated chimney and panels of 913 Main St. continue to convey a Victorian character in spirit with the district. This building was constructed in 1885 as an investment property by Mrs. Adam Kuhl. The Kuhl family owned the brewery of the same name and the present NRHP Kuhl-Gurath house. From a member of the public in 2024: A lot of restoration has happened to the Kuhl Block property since the last photo of the "Gwidt Drug" era. The exterior has been cleaned. The upper windows and upper floor have been restored, the signage removed, and the building is now distinctly one unit again. The upper floor houses apartments. The lower storefronts are (left to right) Mother's Approval Tattooing and Bria Bella and Co (a clothing store). The tenants have been stable for the last five years. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Building inscriptions. (B) Stevens Point Daily Journal, April 11, 1885. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |