2748 N 32ND ST | Property Record | Wisconsin Historical Society

Property Record

2748 N 32ND ST

Architecture and History Inventory
2748 N 32ND ST | Property Record | Wisconsin Historical Society
NAMES
Historic Name:Romadka Brothers Co.
Other Name:Briggs & Stratton
Contributing: Yes
Reference Number:111593
PROPERTY LOCATION
Location (Address):2748 N 32ND ST
County:Milwaukee
City:Milwaukee
Township/Village:
Unincorporated Community:
Town:
Range:
Direction:
Section:
Quarter Section:
Quarter/Quarter Section:
PROPERTY FEATURES
Year Built:1906
Additions:C. 1908
Survey Date:19802016
Historic Use:industrial building
Architectural Style:Commercial Vernacular
Structural System:
Wall Material:Brick
Architect:
Other Buildings On Site:
Demolished?:No
Demolished Date:
NATIONAL AND STATE REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
National/State Register Listing Name: West Center-North 32nd Industrial Historic District
National Register Listing Date:3/23/2020
State Register Listing Date:8/16/2019
National Register Multiple Property Name:
NOTES
Additional Information:Architectural Statement: The North 32nd Street plant of the Briggs and Stratton Corporation is a sprawling maze of industrial buildings spread over various blocks. Covering a range of style and periods, the existing structures have been well adapted to manufacturing use. Historical Statement: Briggs and Stratton Corporation was founded in 1909 and initially produced automotive components, principally a battery ignition system. It originally occupied one floor of rented space on Clybourn. Since WWII it claims to be the undisputed world leader in the production of single cylinder, four cycle gasoline engines and automotive locks and keys. The main office is at 3300 N. 124th with additional plants at 1706 S. 68th Street and 2748 N. 32nd Street. 2016 - resurveyed, appearance unchanged. Property consists of cream brick industrial lofts in a U-plan with red brick office at center. Office has stone trim and accents and peaked parapets at the corners of the facade and entry portico.
Bibliographic References:Milwaukee Journal, November 12, 1975. Milwaukee Sentinel, January 25, 1966. Sanborn Insurance Maps, 1894, vol. 4, pl. 411. Briggs & Stratton Corporation, “The History of Briggs & Stratton” (Briggs & Stratton Corporation, 1985), 1–6, 20, Briggs & Stratton Company Collection, Milwaukee County Historical Society. Jeffrey L. Rodengen, The Legend of Briggs & Stratton (Write Stuff Syndicate, 1995), 79–80.
RECORD LOCATION
Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin

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