Property Record
220 W MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Phillip Johnson Building |
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| Other Name: | A & T Enterprises |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 77357 |
| Location (Address): | 220 W MAIN ST |
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| County: | Jefferson |
| City: | Watertown |
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| Year Built: | 1854 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19862020 |
| Historic Use: | small retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Main Street Commercial Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 6/2/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | This building was built in 1854 for pioneer Phillip Johnson. Later it housed the Brooks grocery-general store between c. 1885 and c. 1907. James Boyle, an undertaker was located here between c. 1911 and at least 1930. This building has some historical interest as the location of several retail businesses, particularly as the long-time location of the Brooks grocery-general store. These businesses contribute to the overall development of commerce in the Main Street Historic District. Exhibiting very little historic ornament, the Johnson building is a two-story cream brick commercial building characterized by straight, flat lintels and plain raised brick cornice topped by red tile coping. A plain metal cornice projects over the storefront. Cast iron columns flank the recessed entrance door and transom window. An entrance door to the upper stories also topped by a transom window is located on the west end of the facade. The second story windows have metal replacement window sashes. Built in 1854, the Johnson building has a one and a half story flat roofed rear brick addition with a second story wooden porch. The Johnson building is significant as an example of commercial vernacular architecture, the Johnson building features a plain brick front exhibiting no particular historic ornament. Other good examples of the utilitarian brick commercial building exhibiting little or no historic ornament are the adjacent Evans building at 222 W. Main (63-11) and the Washington Hotel at 516 E. Main (68-13). Built in 1854, the Johnson building has been used as a combination retail and residential building since it was built. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Tax Records, City of Watertown, 1866-1899, Area Research Center, Library, University of Wisconsin-Whitwater. (B) "Revised Tariff of Rates for Watertown, Wis.," National Board of Fire Underwriters, April 13, 1876. (C) Watertown Chronicle April 26, 1854. (D) Watertown City Directories, 1866-1930, Watertown Public Library. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |