Summary
Wauwatosa Arcade Building
7210-26 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County
Builder: Interstate Building & Finance Company
Date of Construction: 1928
In the early 1900s, Wauwatosa's population grew dramatically. With this expansion, the community began to establish itself as more than just an industrial village and became a "sleeper suburb" of Milwaukee. In order to maintain the community's residential character, the city of Wauwatosa approved a comprehensive zoning ordinance in 1921. A stretch of North Avenue was designated to be developed as a commercial district. The Arcade Building was built as a part of this district in 1928 and housed several different businesses including a bakery, food store, pharmacy, physician's office, dentist's office, and eventually a tavern with bowling lanes.
The Arcade Building serves as an excellent example of a commercial building influenced by Spanish Colonial Revival/Mission Revival architectural styles. The building is constructed of brick and displays a red, Spanish barrel tile roof. It boasts Mission style parapets, decorative ceramic tile, and a bell tower, which are elements of the revival style.
Several different businesses have moved through the building and, after years of declining use, the building underwent a renovation in 1995 using the federal rehabilitation income tax credit program.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture |
| Period of Significance | 1925-1949 |
| Architectural Style | Mission/Spanish Revival |
| Architect | Interstate Building & Finance Co. |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Sport Facility,Multiple Dwelling,Specialty Store |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Nov 6, 1996 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Mar 21, 1997 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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321 East 4th Street
11001045
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1626 Wauwatosa Ave.
98000828
Located in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County
