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Summary
Carleton District # School
4116 West Silver Spring Road, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
Architect: John Topzant (1932); Richard H. Bierman (1936); Charles F. Smith (1941)
Dates of Construction: 1916, 1927, 1932, 1940, 1936, 1941, 1972
The Carleton District #3 School was originally built in 1916 as the Town of Granville’s third school district. It was subsequently modified through five different renovations; the most significant of which was completed in 1941 with WPA funds and labor. The school served the Granville area until it was annexed by the City of Milwaukee in 1948.
It is significant for its architecture, as a notable example of Depression-era public grade school architecture and for its Art Deco styling which showcase the building’s masonry, verticality, low-relief limestone carvings, and pronounced use of glass block. Remnants of earlier additions also remain with “Minimal-Georgian-style” multi-light windows, Regency-style copper roofs, and shallow fluted pilasters. It is one of less than a dozen Milwaukee Public Schools to retain its original windows.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture |
| Period of Significance | 1941 |
| Architectural Style | Art Deco |
| Architect | Smith, Charles F. (1941 architect),Topzant, John (1932 architect),Bierman, Richard H. (1936 architect) |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | School |
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 | 1 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | May 16, 2025 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jul 18, 2025 |
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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Carleton District #3 School Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
The Wisconsin Historical Society announces the listing of the Carleton District #3 School in the National Register of Historic Places on July 18, 2025.
Carleton District #3 School Listed in the State Register of Historic Places
Thursday, May 29, 2025
The Wisconsin Historical Society announces the listing of the Carleton District #3 School in Milwaukee (Milwaukee County) on the State Register of Historic Places.
1011 South Main Street
15000107
Located in Rice Lake, Barron County
200-208 E WISCONSIN AVE (ALSO 700 N WATER ST)
113818
Located in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
