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Property Location
| Location (Address) | 407 E WISCONSIN AVE |
|---|---|
| County | Milwaukee |
| City/Village | Milwaukee |
| Township | |
| Unincorporated community | |
| Town | |
| Range | |
| Direction | |
| Section | |
| Quarter Section | |
| Quarter Quarter Section |
Property Features
| Year Built | 1885 |
|---|---|
| Additions | |
| Survey Date | 1980 |
| Historic Use | large retail building |
| Architectural Style | Romanesque Revival |
| Structural System | |
| Wall Material | Brick |
| Architect | |
| Other Buildings On Site | |
| Demolished | Yes |
| Demolished Date | 1982 |
| Additional Comments | Chapman's was supposedly Wisconsin's oldest and largest independent department store and was founded in 1857. In 1872, the building was destroyed by fire. A good example of a large commercial block which retains the basic form of the 1885 building. Extensive alterations to the north facade have marred the appearance but the west facade still retains some of its original decorative elements. Chapman's Dry Goods was established in 1857 as Chapman and Hassett. T.A. Chapman became sole owner in 1865 and built this store in 1885 after a fire had destroyed an earlier building at this location. T.A. Chapman died in 1892 but his business continues to be one of Milwaukee's best known retail establishments. |
| Bibliographic References | Zimmerman, 18. The Century Club of Business in Milwaukee, 38-40. Milw. of Today 1892, p. 87. Industrial History, 1886, p. 81. One-Half Century of Progress, 1896, p. 114, photo. |
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
| National/State Register Listing Name | Not Listed |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date | |
| State Register Listing Date | |
| Contributing |
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.
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T.A. Chapman's New Store
circa 1890-1899
Elevated view of T.A. Chapman's new store with a horse and carriage next to it.
