Property Record
407 E WISCONSIN AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Timothy A. Chapman Department Store |
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| Other Name: | Timothy A. Chapman Co. |
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| Reference Number: | 111504 |
| Location (Address): | 407 E WISCONSIN AVE |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1885 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1980 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Romanesque Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | Yes |
| Demolished Date: | 1982 |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Chapman's was supposedly Wisconsin's oldest and largest independent department store and was founded in 1857. In 1872, the building was destroyed by fire. A good example of a large commercial block which retains the basic form of the 1885 building. Extensive alterations to the north facade have marred the appearance but the west facade still retains some of its original decorative elements. Chapman's Dry Goods was established in 1857 as Chapman and Hassett. T.A. Chapman became sole owner in 1865 and built this store in 1885 after a fire had destroyed an earlier building at this location. T.A. Chapman died in 1892 but his business continues to be one of Milwaukee's best known retail establishments. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Zimmerman, 18. The Century Club of Business in Milwaukee, 38-40. Milw. of Today 1892, p. 87. Industrial History, 1886, p. 81. One-Half Century of Progress, 1896, p. 114, photo. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |