Property Record
66 WEST TOWNE MALL
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | West Towne Mall |
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| Other Name: | |
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| Reference Number: | 107282 |
| Location (Address): | 66 WEST TOWNE MALL |
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| County: | Dane |
| City: | Madison |
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| Year Built: | 1970 |
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| Additions: | 2004 |
| Survey Date: | 197320162021 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Post-Modern |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Concrete |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | 2016 - West Towne Mall has lost integrity. The shopping center opened in 1970 and was Madison’s first enclosed mall. Based on historic aerial photographs, the only parts of the mall that appear to retain their original exterior appearance are the north end (JCPenney) and the central portion of the west elevation (Boston Store), which together represent about one-third of the entire building. The south, Sears end of the mall was remodeled at an unknown date, most likely in the late 1980s or 1990s. The most drastic changes occurred in 2003, when major façade renovations were completed and entrances were redesigned to modernize the exterior. The interior also was revamped at that time, which included new high-gloss tile floors; the addition of skylights; and new light fixtures, seating, and other design elements. Apart from the general configuration of the main corridor, nothing from the original interior appears to be intact. In 2004, Dick’s Sporting Goods was completed, replacing one of the mall’s four anchor department stores and further modernizing the exterior. Due to the extent of recent interior and exterior alterations and additions, the property is not representative of a mall that opened in 1970, nor is it able to adequately convey its association with the change in shopping habits in the post-World War II era and the transformation of the west side of Madison into a retail center. A demolition permit was applied for a portion of this complex on February 17, 2020. 2021 - Resurveyed. Original sections include north end (JCPenney) and central portion of west elevation (former Boston Store), which represent only 1/3 of current footprint; interior fully remodeled/modernized. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Dee J. Hall, “West Towne Hits 25,” Wisconsin State Journal, October 8, 1995; Lynn Welch, “New Look Malls,” The Capital Times, November 8, 2003. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |