click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
Property Features
Rising five stories in height, this brick commercial building features a moderately altered storefront level; the display
windows have been removed and re-sized, but the multiple-light glass transom remains intact, albeit painted. The
upper four stories feature three bays of fenestration; the uppermost level of which carries single panes of glass. The
second, third and fifth levels feature similar square-arch windowheads while the fourth floor windows are topped with
a pointed arch head along with patterned brickwork. Brickwork brackets are located beneath the attic story and a
bracketed cornice tops the building. A metal fire escape fronts three of the five levels.
William Frankfurth & Co., merchants in wholesale hardware, was established in 1861 or 1862. Frankfurth came to
the United States from Germany in 1849 and moved to Milwaukee in 1850. A news brief in the Milwaukee Sentinel
indicates that in 1870, Frankfurth erected a store block on W. Water Street and, by 1875, he completed a four-story,
brick block on 3rd Street (previously immediately north of the Senn Block). Finally, regarding the subject structure,
a permit notice was printed in the Sentinel which notes that Frankfurth was to erect a five-story, brick store on the
north side of Chestnut Street (now Juneau), between 3rd & 4th Street at a cost of $8,000. By 1885, a city directory
advertisement shows a sketch of a Frankfurth establishment; however, the business is noted as existing on Clybourn
Street. Thereafter, a variety of tenants occupied the structure; most recently, Beck's Books. No significant information
was found in regard to any of the tenants after Frankfurth.
William Frankfurth appears to have been a prominent name in Milwaukee hardware business and, for a time, operated
a variety of locations for his hardware business. Nevertheless, no significant information was found in regard to his
business and its prominence within the city as a whole. As a result, the subject structure is not considered eligible
under Criterion A or B. In regard to Criterion C, the commercial building is a good representative example of 1 880s
commercial architecture, despite the first-floor alterations. However, the City of Milwaukee does retain a substantial
number of ca. 1880s commercial buildings; most specifically along N. Water Street and W. Wisconsin Avenue. As
well, these other examples retain a higher degree of integrity and/or have been sensitively restored to their historic
presence. Therefore, the former Frankfurth Hardware Store is ineligible under Criterion C. As discussed in the initial
discussion for 300 W. Juneau Avenue, future potential remains in regard to this structure's association with the
complex of four buildings known as "Sydney Hih."
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
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.
300 W JUNEAU AVE (FORMERLY 316 W JUNEAU AVE)
16767
Located in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
