500 N WATER ST | Property Record | Wisconsin Historical Society

Property Record

500 N WATER ST

Architecture and History Inventory
500 N WATER ST | Property Record | Wisconsin Historical Society
NAMES
Historic Name:BUTTON BLOCK
Other Name:Joey Buona's Italian Restaurant
Contributing: Yes
Reference Number:28895
PROPERTY LOCATION
Location (Address):500 N WATER ST
County:Milwaukee
City:Milwaukee
Township/Village:
Unincorporated Community:
Town:
Range:
Direction:
Section:
Quarter Section:
Quarter/Quarter Section:
PROPERTY FEATURES
Year Built:1892
Additions:
Survey Date:2000
Historic Use:large retail building
Architectural Style:Romanesque Revival
Structural System:
Wall Material:Brick
Architect:
Other Buildings On Site:
Demolished?:No
Demolished Date:
NATIONAL AND STATE REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
National/State Register Listing Name: East Side Commercial Historic District
National Register Listing Date:9/23/1986
State Register Listing Date:1/1/1989
National Register Multiple Property Name:
NOTES
Additional Information:WAS CONSTRUCTED FOR CHARLES PEARSON BUTTON, OWNER OF THE PHOENIX KNITTING WORKS. Part I Application: 11/6/1985. Locally designated 11-17-1987.

Excellent example of a Romanesque business block in nearly original condition with a fine corner entrance with carved sandstone decoration, and a fine corner tower with elaborate terra cotta decoration.

2002: Building significantly damaged by fire. Most windows on the 6th and 7th floors were totally destroyed.There was also damage to decorative panels and pilasters. Damage to windows began on the 4th floor and affected every floor above. The interior stairs and freight elevator as well as part of the parapet wall were also destroyed. Maple flooring and plaster on the 3rd floor sustained water damage.
Bibliographic References:ZIMMERMAN, 28. THE MILWAUKEE BUSINESS JOURNAL 7/3/1993. BUILT IN MILWAUKEE, LANDSCAPE RESEARCH, P. 83. Inscription..
RECORD LOCATION
Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin

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