Property Record
1508 S 75TH ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | WEST ALLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY |
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| Other Name: | Carnegie Place Apartments |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 9064 |
| Location (Address): | 1508 S 75TH ST |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | West Allis |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1914 |
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| Additions: | 1951 |
| Survey Date: | 2007 |
| Historic Use: | library |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Charlton & Kuenzli; M.B. Coifman |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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| 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 State Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. FLAT ARCHED LINTELS W/OVERSIZE KEYSTONES, QUOINS. The first library in present day West Allis was started by a member of the Political Science and Literature Club of the Town of North Greenfield in 1898. When the Village of West Allis was incorporated in 1902, the club changed its name to the Women's Club of West Allis. This group sponsored the library in shared space with a delicatessen at 81st and National. A few chairs, a table, and donated books comprised the library's holdings. When West Allis was incorporated as a City in 1906, the library became City property and was housed in a variety of buildings including a converted school and a commercial storefront on Greenfield Ave. The movement for a permanent location and building resulted in a citizen's committee that formally requested assisstance from Andrew Carnegie. A gift of $15,000 was received from the Carnegie Foundation in 1913 with the stipulation that the city furnish the site and maintain the building. Kuenzli was selected as architect and work proceeded through the summer and fall of 1914. A Library Board meeting was held in the still uncompleted building in December of 1914, but work continued through the new year to allow for a formal dedication on March 6, 1915. The West Allis Public Library has relocated to 7421 W. National Avenue, and in doing so has consolidated the main library as well as two branches into the new building. (A). Circa 1950 addition to rear of original does not compromise [historic material]. In 1999, building is vacant and for sale. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. December 1998 phone conversation with library employee. West Allis Historical Society Archives. Date stone. Nicolai, Edna R. "A Short History of the West Allis Library", (1935?), West Allis Public Library. West Allis Star, undated clipping (1934?), West Allis Public Library. Milwaukee Journal 11/25/1948. Burbach, Julius, Historical Review of West Allis, West Allis, 1927, pp. 42-43. Burbach, Julius, "West Allis, a city of marvelous growth", (n.p., n.d.) p. 131. Original plans by Charlton & Kuenzli (1914) and 1950 addition by M.B. Coifman, are on file at the Wisconsin Architectural Archive, Milwaukee Public Central Library, 2nd floor, East Wing, Milwaukee, WI. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |