Property Record
500 RIVERVIEW AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Grand View Health Resort (Moor Mud Baths) |
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| Other Name: | WAUKESHA COUNTY SOCIAL SERVICES BLDG |
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| Reference Number: | 16825 |
| Location (Address): | 500 RIVERVIEW AVE |
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| County: | Waukesha |
| City: | Waukesha |
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| Year Built: | 1911 |
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| Additions: | 1947 |
| Survey Date: | 1979 |
| Historic Use: | resort/health spa |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Grand View Health Resort |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 1/31/1984 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: | Multiple Resources of Waukesha |
| 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 BUILDING HAS BEEN RADICALLY ALTERED. FIRST IT WAS USED AS A RESORT AND LATER OCCUPIED BY A SEMINARY. NOW IT IS RENTED BY THE STATE. LARGEST MUD BATH IN COUNTRY. DENTILLATIN AT CORNICE. ONE STORY COLONNADE OF FLUTED COLUMNS. This large health resort building consists of an H shaped block with a large wing extending to the rear. The majority of the buliding is two stories, however, one arm of the H block has been increased to three stories. A one story frame porch consisting of fluted columns supporting a denticulated cornice, joins the end pavilions. A similar cornice appears on the brick building, and contributes to the Classical Revival flavor of the design. The building has been converted to county offices and entirely remodeled on the interior. Modifications to the exterior include enclosure of the porch with glass. The Grand View Health Resort of Moor Mud Baths is significant as a rare remaining example of the resorts developed during the Springs Era as well as significant in its own right for its use of mud for therapeutic treatment. Although the resort is a reminder of the Springs Era, its founding in 1911 almost postdates that period. In 1902, real estate agent John Weber came into possession of 200 acres of land on top of the Prospect Avenue Hill. He had the land on the market from that time until 1907 but was unable to sell it for development due to the large area of black mud in the property. In that year a visitor familiar with the mud baths of Europe suggested that use for the land. In February, 1911, Weber opened a thirty-room health resort specializing in the application of mud baths. The hotel prospered and eventually grew to 200 rooms. John Weber invented a couch for giving mud baths which became an industry standard. In 1915 a golf course was added which is still operated by the county as Moor-Downs Gold Course. From 1925 to 1947 over 130,000 people received Weber's mud treatment and Waukesha became known for its unorthodox medical center. Weber sold the hotel in 1946 and after several other owners, the mud baths finally closed in 1961, victim to more sophisticated medical practices. The Moor Mud Baths was the first and largest of several such spas in the City and remained as an example of the health resort industry spawned by the Springs Era. In 1962, the hotel became Mt. St. Paul College and in 1972, a County Office Building. While part of the college, a three story brick structure was added to the east side of the original hotel. A modern, metal-sided garage and a single-story frame clubhouse are also on the grounds; however, none of these modern bulidings contribute to the significance of the nominated property. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Waukesha Freeman 7/8/1994. (B) Waukesha Daily Freeman, Section K, p. 8. (C) Waukesha Freeman, June 30, 1970. (D) Waukesha Freeman, May 13, 1972. Waukesha Freeman 8/25/1998. Waukesha Freeman 10/16/1998. Waukesha Freeman 8/6/1999. Waukesha Freeman 2/1/2001. Waukesha Freeman 8/9/2001. Waukesha Freeman 9/5/2003. Waukesha Freeman 6/20/2003. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |