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Property Location
| Location (Address) | 403 MCCALL ST |
|---|---|
| County | Waukesha |
| City/Village | Waukesha |
| Township | |
| Unincorporated community | |
| Town | |
| Range | |
| Direction | |
| Section | |
| Quarter Section | |
| Quarter Quarter Section |
Property Features
| Year Built | 1855 |
|---|---|
| Additions | |
| Survey Date | 1991 |
| Historic Use | house |
| Architectural Style | Greek Revival |
| Structural System | |
| Wall Material | Limestone |
| Architect | |
| Other Buildings On Site | |
| Demolished | No |
| Demolished Date | |
| Additional Comments |
This two story Greek Revival house is situated in a spacious lot, demarcated by a stone slab wall. The rectangular building is constructed of small blocks of cut limestone, laid in regular courses. Rubble stone was employed for one story wings extending to the south (rear) of the building. The main section of the house is covered by a low pitched gable roof, accented by a well articulated entablature and returned cornice. A blind lunette appears near the peak in the gable end. Narrow stone lintels cover the three windows ranged across the second story facade and two windows and a door on the first; shutters have been added to the facade's windows. The entrance is also framed by a transom and sidelights. Extending the width of the facade is a porch addition composed of columns (set on stone pedestals) supporting the flat roof, upon which is a simple balustrade. The lot was owned by Henry Bowron, according to tax rolls. Bowron was an early settler who lived in Waukesha until 1861. In 1864, the tax records indicate the property was owned by Samuel A. Randle. Randle arrived in Waukesha in 1862 when he was elected County Judge. He served in that capacity until 1869 and remained in the city practicing law until his death in 1882. It is likely that the house was built either by Bowron or more likely Randle. The house is not on the 1859 plat map but is on the 1874 Birdseye of the City. After Randle, the home was owned by numerous families. Even though the house has had many residents, its integrity remains high. This two-story Greek Revival house was built around 1855. It is constructed of quarried limestone blocks that are laid in a coursed ashlar pattern. The low-pitched gable roof is decorated with overhanging eaves, a frieze, and cornice returns. A large lunette window with a smooth stone arch, sill, and keystone decorates the gable peak. Windows are either single-light or six-over-six light double-hung sashes decorated with smooth stone lintels and sills. The large entrance is decorated with sidelights and a lintel. An early twentieth century veranda spans the front of the house. It is made up of a flat roof supported by Tuscan columns sitting on stone piers. Small one-story ells constructed of limestone rubble extend off of the south wall of the building. The building is in excellent condition. The fine quality of the quarried stone, the high quality of construction, and the high level of preservation make this building an outstanding example of stone construction in the city. The house is also of architectural interest because of its Greek Revival details. Most Greek Revival houses in Wisconsin are not elaborate examples of the style, and usually have only the style's form and massing and a few of the details. This house is a good and typical example of the Greek Revival style as seen in Wisconsin. This well preserved Greek Revival house achieves architectural significance as a representative example of a period and method of construction. One of three fine stone, Greek Revival houses in the area, this design retains the characteristics of the Greek Revival style (cornice returns, lintels, fenestration, proportions) but handles them in a more refined, delicate manner. Stylistically and chronologically it occupies the middle ground between the Methodist District Parsonage, 239 West College Avenue (WK 37/23) and the George House, 210 McCall Street (WK 36/27). Sited on a large lot at the intersection of McCall and James Street, this is an imposing building and an important, pivotal element in the McCall Historic District. |
| Bibliographic References | (A) Waukesha Village Tax Rolls, 1861, 1863. (B) Russell Zimmerman, The Heritage Guidebook, 1976, #777. (C) McCall Street Historic District Walking Tour, Waukesha Landmarks Commission. (D) History of Waukesha County, WI, 1880, p. 885. (E) 1859 City Plat Map. (F) 1874 Birds Eye Map of Waukesha. (G) City Directories. (H) Sanborn-Perris Maps. (I) Tax Rolls. (J) Building Abstract. (K) Building Permits. |
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
| National/State Register Listing Name | McCall Street Historic District (Boundary Increase) |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date | Mar 29, 1993 |
| State Register Listing Date | Jan 01, 1989 |
| Contributing | Yes |
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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