The Nels and Nellie Johnson House in Wisconsin Rapids was built for Nels Johnson (1847-1902), a prominent nineteenth-century merchant and industrialist in the city of Wisconsin Rapids. As the co-founder of the Johnson, Hills & Company department store and first president of the Consolidated Water and Power Company, he helped establish two enterprises that were influential in the business development of the community and served as major employers long after his death.

The Johnson House is among the best examples of a high style Queen Anne house in Wisconsin Rapids and exhibits many hallmarks of this style, such as a vertical silhouette, irregular massing, and a complicated roofline. Three asymmetrically placed spindlework porches contribute to the home’s picturesque appearance. The two chimneys with patterned brick masonry serve as important design elements. The interior features a formal entrance hall with a grand oak reverse-flight staircase, paneled oak wainscoting, and carved wood double-doors with decorative etched glass. The Johnson House also features oak wainscoting in the dining room, six-panel doors throughout the first and second floors, three sets of sliding pocket doors, tall baseboard molding, picture rails, two stained glass window transoms, and finely carved door and window casings.

The Johnson House has excellent overall integrity, retaining its original massing, roofline, porches, fenestration, doors, and decorative detailing. The interior exhibits high quality craftsmanship and features its original floor plan, grand front staircase, doors, wood moldings, wainscoting, fireplaces, flooring and finishes.

This property is private. Please respect the rights and privacy of the owners.