Property Record
1428 N FARWELL
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Dorsey's Dancing Academy |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | Winged Shoes |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 106533 |
| Location (Address): | 1428 N FARWELL |
|---|---|
| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1913 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 20042010 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Stucco |
| Architect: | George B Ferry |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. 2010: This two-story, rectangular, brick building has a painted stucco front section. The primary (northwest) facade features Neoclassical Revival elements such as a denticulated cornice, decorative capitals and applied plaster swags over the central entrance. There are six such capitals each featuring an individual letter which collectively spells out the name "DORSEY". First-floor fenestration consists of two modern storefronts flanking a doorway with a Neoclassical surround and tall windows with transoms featuring central diamond paning line the second story. The sidewalls are comprised of common brick and feature brick segmental arch lintels within various openings. Designed by George B. Ferry, the subject building was constructed in 1913 for owner J.W. Dorsey and contained space for two stores and a second-floor dance hall. From 1914 to 1919, the building housed the Dorsey Dancing Academy. City directories from the period indicate that Dorsey worked in the meat business for C. Enders & Company. Following Dorsey's death in 1919, the building was owned by Blue Star Knitting Mills and, circa 1960, the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music occupied the building. Previously surveyed in 1986 with map code 260/21. No map name given. Resurveyed as part of Milwaukee Downtown Connector Arch/History Survey (2010), Prepared by Heritage Research. DOE prepared by Heritage Research (2011). |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | Building permits; Milwaukee City Directory., City of Milwaukee Intensive Survey Form--1428 N. Farwell Ave. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |