click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
| Location (Address) | 711 59TH PL |
|---|---|
| County | Kenosha |
| City/Village | Kenosha |
| Township | |
| Unincorporated community | |
| Town | |
| Range | |
| Direction | |
| Section | |
| Quarter Section | |
| Quarter Quarter Section |
Property Features
| Year Built | 1900 |
|---|---|
| Additions | |
| Survey Date | 1999 |
| Historic Use | library |
| Architectural Style | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System | |
| Wall Material | Stone - Unspecified |
| Architect | D.h. Burnham |
| Other Buildings On Site | |
| Demolished | No |
| Demolished Date | |
| Additional Comments | 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, State Historic Preservation Office. PEDIMENTED ENTRANCE PORTICO W/IONIC COLUMNS. CENTRAL DOME. During the 1970s the glass floor was removed from the west wing. As of 1998, plans were discussed to install an elevator, a difficult task not only because the addition would require sawing through marble, but also because the building is a beloved landmark in the community and members want to see both the exterior and interior preserved. The project is estimated to cost 1/4 million dollars. (C). "One of Kenosha's prominent Neo-Classical Revival civic buildings, the Simmons Library was designed by nationally acclaimed architect Daniel H. Burnham. In Chicago, Burnham was chief of construction and director of works for the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893. The exposition's "White City" did much to fuel the Neo-Classical Revival in architecture in the early twentieth century in America. Built for $150,000, the library is a one-story building sitting on a raised foundation. It has a cross plan and is built of Bedford limestone, decorated with marble, bronze, mosaics, and frescoes. At the center is the building's dome, sitting on a drum and decorated with a running swag design. Steps lead to monumental bronze doors. Visitors are invited inside the building to view the beautiful marble interior. In 1899, Z.G. Simmons, a local industrialist, offered to build a free public library and give it to the city. He stipulated that the library be named for his late son and that the city levy a tax to support its operations. The city agreed, and on May 30, 1900, the new library was dedicated." Historic Kenosha: Library Park Historic District, Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2005 A Historic Structure Report of this building can be found in Room 312 at the Wisconsin Historical Society. |
| Bibliographic References | A. KENOSHA NEWS 11/14/1994. B. KENOSHA NEWS 10/5/1996. C. December 1998 phone conversation with Steven Hutchens, Reference Librarian. Historic Kenosha: Library Park Historic District, Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2005 |
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
| National/State Register Listing Name | Library Park Historic District |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date | Nov 29, 1988 |
| State Register Listing Date | Jan 01, 1989 |
| Contributing | Yes |
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or notice some information on this property needs to be updated, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
Roughly bounded by 59th St., 7th Ave., 61st St., and 8th Ave.
88002657
Located in Kenosha, Kenosha County
Gilbert M. Simmons Public Library
Exterior view of the Gilbert M. Simmons Public Library. The library opened in 1900 and was funded with a gift of $150,000 from G.M. Simmons. The building is of cut stone, columns are in front of th...
Gilbert M. Simmons Public Library
Exterior view from lawn of the Gilbert M. Simmons Public Library. The library opened in 1900 and was funded with a gift of $150,000 from G.M. Simmons.
