| Additional Information: | 2020-2024 Targeted Resurvey of Sheboygan recommendation write-up:
This two-story, pressed brick-clad meeting hall is topped with a flat roof that is obscured by a parapet that is finished with stone coping. A series of five brick pilasters divide the building’s primary (north) entrance into three bays, the central one of which includes the door. The classically derived stone surround features paired pilasters with decorative capitals to either side of the metal-and-glass door with transom and sidelights. A modern awning above the doorway reads, “Breakwater Church,” as does a modern blade sign located at the building’s northwest corner. Windows along the entrance elevation are rectangular openings with replacement, multiple-light sash. According to the recent sales advertisement, the basement level has a fully functioning kitchen, open space, private room, and locker rooms/rest rooms. The first floor has a gymnasium/open space (that now serves as a church) and restrooms, while the upper level is mezzanine office space that overlooks the former gym.
Designed by Edward A. Juul and constructed by the Verhulst Co., Inc., the National Croatian Home was completed in 1927 at an estimated cost of $35,000. Following the immigration of the first Croatians to Sheboygan, no less than three Croatian lodges were established. The intent for this building’s construction was to unite the various groups under one roof, where they could keep their heritage and customs alive. The hall was managed by George Trgovec from 1954 to his death in 1975, after which Jack Burke became manager. In 1977, the group celebrated the building’s 50th anniversary.
In circa 1995, the hall was purchased by a group of investors and the building was renovated for use as the Eastern Sun Martial Arts School. The school’s tenure was short-lived, for by 1997, the building was approved for use by the Sheboygan Boys and Girls Club, which remained there until 2019. Following a brief vacancy, the building is now home to Breakwater Church, an Orthodox Presbyterian congregation which purchased the building in early 2023. |
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| Bibliographic References: | LJM Architects, Inc. City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin: Architectural and Historical Intensive Survey Report. City of Sheboygan Historic Preservation Commission & Department of City Development; 2002, 2004 & 2006.
Citations for the 2020-2024 Targeted Resurvey recommendation write-up:
“Articles Filed for Croatians’ Home in City,” The Sheboygan Press, 25 February 1925, 6; “Start Excavating for New Croatian Home on the South Side Here,” The Sheboygan Press, 25 May 1927, 12, includes rendering; “Building Permit Issued for a Funeral Temple,” The Sheboygan Press, 13 June 1927, 3, includes publication of permit for the Croatian National Home; “Plan to Lay Cornerstone of Croatian Home,” The Sheboygan Press, 18 July 1927, 2; “Croatian Home Has 50th Anniversary,” The Sheboygan Press, 3 October 1977, 7; “Final Report,” 44, 144-45. The five groups to affiliate as the Croatian Home Association were: the St. Ivan-Nepomuk Society (est. 1910); the Sloboda Society (est. 1913); R.S.A. (est. 1924), Sokol Society (est. 1913); and the H.S.S. Society (est. 1924).
Mike Lobash, “Martial Arts School Teaching Self-Defense and Self-Discipline,” The Sheboygan Press, 26 January 1996, 3; Mary Ann Holley, “Check Us Out: Boys & Girls Club Opens New Center in Sheboygan,” The Sheboygan Press, 18 February 1998, A3. |
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