Property Record
68 RACINE ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Gustav Augustin Block |
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| Other Name: | RED BARN ANTIQUES |
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| Reference Number: | 17139 |
| Location (Address): | 68 RACINE ST |
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| County: | Winnebago |
| City: | Menasha |
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| Year Built: | 1894 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 20092015 |
| Historic Use: | retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Augustin, Gustav, Block |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 5/30/1986 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | #590. Cast iron storefront molded window caps. Gustav Augustin was a prominent merchant in Menasha from 1891 to 1911.(A) A native of Germany, Augustin lived in several locations in Wisconsin engaging in factory work and farming before opening a flour and feed store in Menasha in 1891. The success of this business led to the building of the Augustin Block in 1894, housing Augustin's grocery on the first story and his residence apartments on the second.(B,C) The block was Augustin's residence and store until his retirement in 1911, at which time he moved to 511 First Street.(D) The primary significance of the Gustav Augustin Block lies in its architecture. The Gustav Augustin Block is located in the industrial city of Menasha, at the northern end of the central business district. Situated on the southwest corner of Racine and Broad Streets, the Augustin Block is a two-story yellow brick commercial building with a small, two story rear addition. The plan configuration is rectangular, the roof is flat, the bond is stretcher, and the foundations are random stone. The front facade consists of two cast iron storefronts with wooden kickboards on the first floor, and double-hung, single-pane ash in the second floor windows. Decorative features include a cornice corbel table, molded brick window caps, and a stone sill course dividing the two floors. The Broad Street elevation repeats the prinicpal features of the Racine Street with some modification to the windows. The interior has experienced modifications typical of buildings of its age, but these chnges do not preclude the possibility of significant interior features hidden by lowered ceilings and carpeting. The Gustav Augustin Block is the best preserved and most complete example of the late 19th century commercial vernacular form in Menasha. While modest, its integrity of site and structure is superior to those similar buildings in the Upper Main Street Historic District (NRHP, 1984). The Augustin Block can be favorably compared with the Clovis Block (227 Main Street), the Henning Block (223 Main Street), Roby Block (196 Main Street), and Krautkramer's Saloon (56 Racine Street), all of which are contributing buildings in that historic district. The best of these is the Clovis Block built in 1892. While both blocks feature ornamental brickwork, window caps and iron storefronts, the Augustin Block maintains its natural brick color and both of its storefronts in original condition. Except for the intervention of non-contributing properties, the Gustav Augustin Block would have been a contributing property to the Upper Main Street Historic District. 2009--No readily apparent changes since last sureveyed in 1984 except that perhaps the storefront windows have been replaced. 2015 - New shop windows. |
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| Bibliographic References: | #690. (A) Menasha Record; July 16, 1924; Page 1. (B) Bunn's 1905 Director of Winnebago County; page 842. (C) Menasha Press; December 22, 1894; Page 1. (D) Menasha Record; July 26, 1911; Page 1. 1911 Tax Roll, City of Menasha; Page 101. Neenah Citizen 12/10/1999. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |