| 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.
SEGMENTAL ARCHED WINDOWS. 1/2 ROUND WINDOW ON FRONT.
Additional Comments, 2023:
Architecture:
The building is a two-story rectangular brick-constructed block with a gable roof and boomtown storefront. The building sits on a cut-limestone foundation. The red brick walls are punctuated with regularly spaced openings at the upper level, some of which have been enclosed. These openings feature double rows of segmental arches made up of contrasting tan brick. Openings have primarily single-light double-hung sashes, some original and some replaced.
On the main elevation, there is a tan brick cornice and belt course with a round arch that is similar to the window arches. The first story storefront features two show window openings flanking a central recessed entrance. The storefronts are enclosed with wood paneling and one large glass pane. The mostly original double storefront entry doors are framed by cast iron columns on bases and topped with an intact transom. The storefront sits below a large wooden beam.
The storefront interior appears to have much of its historic characteristics, such as a wood floor, wooden ceiling, plaster walls and some intact shelving and main counter. There are no photos of the owner’s apartment behind the store area.
The second story was remodeled into apartments with modern wallboard, trim, and openings. Not enough photos show the second floor, but given the modern walls, it is speculated that this area might have been used for storage for the store or for a large hall.
History:
This large store building was reportedly constructed in 1895 for the Pierre Virlee & Company business. It was built as part of a complex of business and industrial buildings operated by the Pierre Virlee company, the most important business enterprise in Brussels. Pierre Virlee was actually Francois Pierre and Antone Virlee, who with other business partners, created the company that at first built a grist mill just south of the crossroads where the main part of the tiny village of Brussels was/is located. The grist mill originally dated to the mid-19th century, and by the later 19th century, the complex had grown into a large grist and feed mill, a cheese factory, a creamery, a sawmill, and a large general store (this building), and in the 20th century, a machine shop. Only this building, the old store, a small building that may still be extant behind the store (AHI#58523), and another building, perhaps the cheese factory or creamery, are still extant from this complex.
In 1901, the company advertised for a new partner and the Chaudoir family became the main owners of the company. In 1914, Eli Chaudoir was the principal owner. He rebuilt the flour mill after it burned in 1916 and it was advertised as the “Brussels Roller Mills” and general store. The mill burned again in 1924 and was not rebuilt. In 1962, a newspaper article discussed the Chaudoir family and the mill and store. (Door Co. Advocate, 7-31-1962). The store appears to have been open until the mid-20th century.
(Carol Cartwright 2023)
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