Property Record
9015 W MAPLE ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Christian Hansen Research Building |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | Christian Hansen Research Building |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 145822 |
| Location (Address): | 9015 W MAPLE ST |
|---|---|
| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | West Allis |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1961 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2007 |
| Historic Use: | industrial bldg/manufacturing facility |
| Architectural Style: | Contemporary |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Concrete |
| Architect: | Reddemann-Domann, Inc. |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | This three-story, flat-roofed structure is constructed of reinforced concrete and is generally faced with concrete; however, sections of stone veneer accent the building. The entryway, which is two stories in height and consists of metal and glass, is defined by a zig-zag roofline/overhang that is situated at the southeast corner of the structure. A three-story, vertical bank of windows and transparent panels are located along both the rear (west) and north elevations; the former of which is also trimmed with a stone veneer. The remainder of the structure is devoid of fenestration. The interior is cited to utilize a number of special materials, specifically that all plumbing is Pyrex. A number of other buildings are also located on this property; however, they have been significantly modernized and/or connected to each other. This laboratory structure is free-standing. Designed by the architectural from of Reddemann-Domann, Inc., the Chr. Hansen Research Laboratory building was completed in 1961 at an approximate cost of $500,000. Christian Hansen, Inc., began in Denmark in 1873, after Christian Hansen discovered a commercial method of producing the enzyme rennet. Very soon thereafter the company moved to Little Falls, New York, which was the dairy and cheese center of the United States at the time. In 1930, a plant was built in West Allis. Several additions were made to the plant and, in 1946, an additional building was constructed. Today, the West Allis location--the company's North American headquarters--continues to manufacture dairy cultures, dairy flavors, natural and artificial colors, enzymes and probiotics for human health. This facility serves as the research & development center for all of the aforementioned products. |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | Original permit for (laboratory building) 9015 W. Maple, dated 28 July 1960, Reddemann-Domann architects, est. cost $400,000; "Chr.Hansen Laboratory Building New Section for Food Culture Research," West Allis Star, 19 January 1961. It is this latter article that assigns the $500,000 cost. "New Concern Buys Land to Build Plant," West Allis Star, 18 July 1929, Page 1, col. 6. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |