Property Record
603 FAIRFAX ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Earl and Verle's Wheel Alignment |
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| Other Name: | Nick's Automotive |
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| Reference Number: | 242178 |
| Location (Address): | 603 FAIRFAX ST |
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| County: | Eau Claire |
| City: | Eau Claire |
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| Year Built: | 1964 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2020 |
| Historic Use: | gas station/service station |
| Architectural Style: | Astylistic Utilitarian Building |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Concrete Block |
| Architect: | Hehl and Grohn (contractor) |
| Other Buildings On Site: | N |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | The subject structure is constructed of cinder block and is topped with an arched roof. Oriented on a north/south axis, a series of four overhead garage doors are located along its east, Fairfax Street elevation, while an additional one is found along the north, Fenwick Avenue elevation. An office is located at the northwest corner of the building, which includes rectangular plate-glass windows and a standard-sized entrance door. An additional door and window are located along the north elevation, near the overhead door. Erected in 1964 by the contracting firm of Hehl & Grohn, this building was originally built as Earle & Verle’s Wheel Alignment, at an approximate cost of $19,000. The business established in 1959 by Earl Klein and Verle Gee specialized in alignment, tire and general automobile servicing, including brake work. Previous to the August 1964 opening of the subject building, they were located nearby at 1750 Brackett Avenue in Eau Claire. Earl retired in 1977 and moved to Chippewa Falls, after which Verle continued the business with his wife until their retirement. Today the building is home to Nick’s Automotive. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Building permit for 1403 Fairfax Street (now 603 Fairfax Street), 10 April 1964, Permit on file at the City of Altoona; “Earl, Verle Open New Auto Center,” The Leader-Telegram (Eau Claire, WI), 28 August 1964, 2; “Erl C. Klein,” Obituary, Chippewa Herald Telegram, 4 October 2006, 2; “Lorraine Gee,” Obituary, The Leader-Telegram, 19 November 2014, B2. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |