Property Record
240 W GILMAN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Woman's Building |
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| Other Name: | AVOL Books, Samba |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 99204 |
| Location (Address): | 240 W GILMAN ST |
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| County: | Dane |
| City: | Madison |
| Township/Village: | |
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| Year Built: | 1907 |
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| Additions: | C. 1994 |
| Survey Date: | 19832019 |
| Historic Use: | social recreational/fraternal hall |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Stucco |
| Architect: | J.K. Cady |
| 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 Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. Madison Historic Landmark: 9/21/2004 City of Madison, Wisconsin Underrepresented Communities Historic Resource Survey Report: Throughout the Progressive Era and the Women’s Club movement in Madison, the Woman’s Club of Madison was extremely effective at influencing public policy. It was organized in 1893 and joined by mostly White, mostly Protestant women whose spouses were wealthy, middle-aged men who typically held powerful positions in the business, civic, or educational arenas. During its early years, the club met in the homes and churches of its members. Committees discussed philanthropic opportunities and shared knowledge of topics in the arts, science, literature, music, and history. Outside performers and lecturers were invited to illuminate their studies with practical context. By 1900, club women had grown eager to move beyond philanthropy and self-enrichment, and use their collective influence to address the civic problems of their growing city. Members’ social and political connections and the organizational skills they had cultivated while directing club activities enabled them to address civic causes with stunning success. In 1905, the club hired Chicago architect Jeremiah K. Cady to design the clubhouse for their activities. It was completed in 1906. Over the next twenty years, the Women’s Club led campaigns to improve public education, housing, and health conditions in the city, and are credited with many of the civic improvements of Progressive-Era Madison. The building served as the headquarters for the club’s programs and public presentations until they sold it in 1973. The building was clad with brick when it was completed. The existing exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) was applied in 1986 and covers the original exterior. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Capital Times 2/4/2004. Madison Badger Herald 2/5/2004. Madison Badger Herald 2/4/2004. Capital Times 5/15/2004. Wisconsin State Journal 6/4/2004. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |