| 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, Division of Historic Preservation.
This structure rises two and one half stories and is faced with brick. The moderate to steeply pitched, gabled roof is covered with rolled sheets of asphalt. Along the primary facade, a recessed, single door rests between a pair of modern display windows, while another single door is situated at the north end of the building. A wooden (or possibly metal) cornice with scrolled bracket supports delineates the first floor from the second. The south half of the second level features a three sided bay projection (likely sheathed with sheet metal), while the north half includes a single, rectangular, two light opening with a fixed upper sash. The uppermost half story displays a heavily ornamented, projecting parapet with scrolled bracket supports; the parapet is topped with a ball finial. Three engaged, brick pilasters divide a pair of double hung sash windows, which are centered within the gable. A slightly projecting pediment rests atop the window configuration. A projecting bay window is situated along the upper level of the south wall. Alterations include the installation of modern display windows, a new, central door and the removal of all original, leaded glass windows.
Building permit information indicates that this structure was erected in 1893 by August Gremmler; it was designed by Milwaukee architect Gustave A. Coldewe. After serving its original function as a hardware store from 1893 to 1902, William Gaulke purchased it in 1903 and operated it as a piano store for the next twenty five years. In 1928, a chop suey restaurant replaced the piano store; however, the restaurant remained in operation for only five years. From 1935 to the present, the lower level of this building has functioned as either a tavern, inn, cafe or bar. The commercial level currently houses Golden Tere (a bar). As for the upper portion, a permit was made on 14 August 1937 to convert this space into two apartments; however, it is not until 1950 that city directories reflect an additional address for the apartments (listed as 2025a). Over time, this upper, residential space has been continuously occupied by either the owner or tenant of the first floor. |
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