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Summary
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Enamel Plant
201 E Pittsburgh Avenue, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
Architect: Eschweiler & Eschweiler
Date of construction: 1937
The Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) Enamel Plant is located in an industrial area approximately one mile south of downtown Milwaukee. It was constructed in 1937 as part of the expansion of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company Paint & Varnish Division. The new plant housed the enamel productions for the company. Production at the plant ceased in 1976.
The PPG Enamel Plant is an example of an Art Moderne style factory building designed by the noted Milwaukee architectural firm of Eschweiler & Eschweiler. The style came into popularity in the 1930s and was a celebration of industrialism and technology, featuring streamlined elements inspired from the industrial design of ships and airplanes. These buildings are devoid of historical references and feature smooth surfaces and curved corners that give the feeling that airstreams could move smoothly over them.
The firm of Eschweiler & Eschweiler designed a wide variety of buildings, including schools, commercial buildings, residences, club buildings, and industrial buildings. The 1930s and 1940s saw the firm’s work expand into the Moderne style for various projects. Among notable examples is the John W. Mariner Building located at 411 E. Mason Street in downtown Milwaukee built in 1937 as an office building. Another is the WTMJ "Radio City" Building located at 720 E. Capitol Drive built in 1941. Elements of the Moderne are also seen in the McCulloch Engineering Building, designed by the firm in 1941. The McCulloch Engineering Building and the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company commission are two of four examples of industrial projects used to illustrate the firm's 50th anniversary monograph.
The building has been converted to retail and offices using federal tax incentives.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture |
| Period of Significance | 1937 |
| Architectural Style | Moderne |
| Architect | Eschweiler & Eschweiler |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Manufacturing Facility |
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 | Jul 17, 2009 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Oct 21, 2009 |
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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411 E MASON ST (A.K.A. 732-748 N MILWAUKEE ST)
41181
Located in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
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