Property Record
615 E MICHIGAN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Lewis Center |
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| Other Name: | Lewis Center |
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| Reference Number: | 115066 |
| Location (Address): | 615 E MICHIGAN ST |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1963 |
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| Additions: | 1966 |
| Survey Date: | 20042015 |
| Historic Use: | small office building |
| Architectural Style: | Contemporary |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Kurtz Architects, Inc. |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | 2015: Constructed in the Contemporary Style essentially of gray brick and glass that emphasizes the structures horizontal nature, this is a four-story building situated on the south side of E. Michigan Street that faces north. The entryway is centered in a slightly recessed bay surrounded by concrete or stone panels. The building then extends to either side. It is characterized by a recessed first floor, in front of which four, symmetrically placed concrete columns are located that carry a stone belt course, above which are three more floors. A vertical concrete column extends height from the belt course and the first-floor columns below, as do subordinate concrete columns centered between the four first floor columns and that rise from the belt course only. The recessed first floor, and floors two, three and four above, are all notable for their gray brick, as well as the three-panel, vertical windows above. The structure is crowned by a nominal and unadorned cornice. A two-story addition is behind the building to the south. Known as the Lewis Center, this structure was constructed in two parts. Predicated on a of review of permits, it is believed that the east half was erected in 1962 at a cost of $400,000/ It was designed by architect Kenneth C. Kurtz as a four-story office building. The west half of the Lewis Center was then built in 1963. A two-story addition was subsequently constructed behind the building (to the south) in 1964. Both additions were designed by Kurtz and constructed by Gerhard Berghammer, Inc., the latter having also been the contractor for the initial construction. Abe Swed was the builder. Last surveyed in 1984 with a map code of 145/35 on map #396.2004 map code is 171/36a. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Building Permit. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |