4313 W RIVER LN

4313 W RIVER LN

Milwaukee

Brown Deer

1910

C. 1985

1980,2018

general store

Commercial Vernacular

Clapboard

No

BRACKETED CORNICE ON FALSE FRONT

2018:
Sheathed with narrow clapboard, this commercial building is comprised of two periods of construction. The central portion of the structure rises two stories and is topped with a front-gabled roof. A series of three, large, plate-glass windows with heavy wooden trim occupy the first story, while the second floor carries two, one-over-one-light, double-hung sash. Raised and dentil wooden trim defines the first story from the second and the overhanging eave is detailed with modest brackets. Extending from this block is a one-story, parapet front wing that features two large, plate-glass windows that are separated by a replacement door. The name of the restaurant, “Pastiche,” is located within the parapet front. The west elevation of the one-story wing includes a modern overhang that shelters patio seating. This portion of the building is believed to have been constructed circa 1910, while the large, one-story, parapet front wing to the east was added in the mid-to-late 1980s. A series of three large, plate-glass windows with heavy trim line the first floor and remaining wooden detailing matches that of the original building. A historic photo (albeit undated) of the building appears to indicate that the window arrangement of the two-story block is not original to the building and the door at the far right (west) originally included a transom. While the trim on the building is not original, it replicates what was there previously.

This structure was built circa 1910 and served the community as a general store, barber shop and ice cream parlor. It was run by Christian Pein, a barber, and his brother-in-law Fred Wentzlaff, a carpenter (and was, perhaps, responsible for its construction). While later under the ownership of Pein only, a hardware shop was later added to the barber shop portion of the building. In its early days, a gas pump was also located here and they sold Red Crown gas. Although the building was still owned by Pein (who moved to Milwaukee in 1925), the business was taken over for a short time in the mid-1920s by Peter Meer, after which the building was converted for use as a restaurant, operated by Frank and Emma Elbl. Pein returned to Brown Deer in 1936 and operated a tavern out of the building; in 1940, Pein sold the building to Al M. Gengler. Owen and Sue McShane took over operations of the tavern (known as McShane’s), where it is said that initial (1955) meetings of the Village Board were held. In 1983, the building was sold to Jim Marks and the building—which was significantly expanded in size between 1985 and 1990--served the community as River Lane Inn until 2015. Current owner, Michael Engel, reopened the restaurant in 2016 as a second location for Pastiche, a French bistro-style restaurant.

Citations for information in Additional Comments below: Estelle Sustar, comp., “Memoirs of Ruth Pein Rulf and Esther Pein Ledder,” in the Brown Deer Historical Society newsletter (June 1981), 2-3 (includes a photo of the bar area); “McShane’s Tavern (River Lane Inn),” Photo and brief historical information in the Brown Deer Historical Society newsletter (January 1991), 2; Dorothy Kittleson, ed., Brown Deer Heritage Almanac, 11 (map), 12; U.S. Federal Census, Population, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940; Aerial views of the property confirm the construction of the addition as between 1985 and 1990.

Not Listed