5101 UNIVERSITY AVENUE | Property Record | Wisconsin Historical Society

Property Record

5101 UNIVERSITY AVENUE

Architecture and History Inventory
5101 UNIVERSITY AVENUE | Property Record | Wisconsin Historical Society
NAMES
Historic Name:Hamacher Motel
Other Name:Merrill Springs Inn
Contributing:
Reference Number:162102
PROPERTY LOCATION
Location (Address):5101 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
County:Dane
City:Madison
Township/Village:
Unincorporated Community:
Town:
Range:
Direction:
Section:
Quarter Section:
Quarter/Quarter Section:
PROPERTY FEATURES
Year Built:1950
Additions: 1957 1978 1979
Survey Date:2010
Historic Use:lodging-hotel
Architectural Style:Contemporary
Structural System:
Wall Material:Brick
Architect: Carl Gausewitz
Other Buildings On Site:
Demolished?:No
Demolished Date:
NATIONAL AND STATE REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
National/State Register Listing Name:Not listed
National Register Listing Date:
State Register Listing Date:
NOTES
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, State Historic Preservation Office. A demolition permit was issued for this property on 7/14/2010 and another demolition permit application will be filed on July 13, 2011.

2010- "This newly-inventoried motel complex is located on the south side of University Avenue. The complex sits back from the roadway, behind a hedgerow and brick wall along University Avenue. The entire property is paved and separated from surrounding commercial development by mature treelines. Four elements comprise the complex: the main motel building, two other motel buildings, and a sign. The complex is currently vacant. The motel sign, which rests on an asymmetrical brick pylon, is located at the front of the property's entrance, and is partially visible from University Avenue. The sign structure (but not the current sign board) dates from 1957. The original signboard had a two-sided plastic face with traveling lightbulbs, and is still in place beneath the current sign. The complex's main building is centrally located and was erected in 1950 for John and Mildred Hamacher. The onestory building is faced with red brick and rests on concrete foundation. The flat, built-up roof features broad eaves. A brick pylon or chimney rises through the roof on the north elevation. The building's fenestration carries one-over-one double hung windows with brick rowlock sills. Some of the windows have been covered by plywood. Most of the doorways appear intact and carry original doors. The building's features are characteristic of 1950s-60s commercial architecture.

The other two motel buildings are very similar. Both are two stories tall, with an asphalt-shingled, side gable roof and a stucco finish at the first story. Vertical board siding clads the second story. One building is located to the east of the main motel building. It was built over several stages. It began as a frame garage in 1949; a second story with an apartment was added in 1951. The current appearance dates from a 1978 remodeling, which converted and expanded the building. The second building is T-shaped in plan, and set to the rear of the main motel buildinp. It was erected in prior to 1958 and was one story, with 7 units and an office. The second story was added in 1979. The fenestration of the two buildings consists of a mix of metal casement windows, single transom windows, picture windows, one-over-one double hung windows, and wooden doors."
- "CTH MS (University Ave), Allen Boulevard-N Segoe Rd", WisDOT ID #5992-08-12(79), Prepared by Rachel E Bankowitz and Elizabeth L Miller (2010).
Bibliographic References:
RECORD LOCATION
Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin

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