Property Record
1205 S 7TH ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | John A. Salzer Seed Company |
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| Other Name: | Gillette Industries, Inc. |
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| Reference Number: | 32475 |
| Location (Address): | 1205 S 7TH ST |
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| County: | La Crosse |
| City: | La Crosse |
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| Year Built: | 1918 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1996 |
| Historic Use: | industrial building |
| Architectural Style: | Chicago Commercial Style |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Parkinson and Dockendorff |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| 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. Renovated as senior citizen housing, 1990. Elevation and facade divided by projecting brick piers with segmental arched three part window area between the full length capped piers; stylized floral ornament carved into limestone panels on the piers, spandrels, door jams, and cornice. Metal covered building attached at rear along with brick elevator. An example of a late Chicago styled commercial building in La Crosse, however the W.A. Roosevelt Building at 230 North Front Street (15-16) is a better example of the style. This company was begun by John A. Salzer out of his home that originally stood on this spot. The company was incorporated in 1886. The site of the La Crosse Garment Factory for many years. In 1973, it went into bankruptcy, emerging under the new name of Gillette Industries. The Salzer Seed Company was a major supplier of seeds to a wide region which included Southern Minnesota and the Dakotas. Salzer Seed Company represents 19th century agri-business at La Crosse. The city's excellent transportation systems made operations such as the Salzer Seed Co. possible. 1996- "Constructed in 1918, this brick building is a fine example of the Chicago Commercial Style designed by the La Crosse firm of Parkinson and Dockendorff. Capped, brick piers rise the structure's four stories, thus dividing the facade into bays. The piers also carry limestone panels with stylized, floral patterns. Piers are connected by brick arching that tops the windows of the fourth story, and masonry sills lie beneath each window grouping. A brick parapet with stone coping tops this structure, historically known as the John A. Salzer Seed Company. Despite modem windows and a rear addition made as part of its 1990 renovation for senior citizen housing, this structure still retains its integrity of form. In addition to it being a design of a locally prominent architectural firm, the historic Salzer Seed Company played an integral part in La Crosse's agri-business." - "La Crosse North/South Transportation Corridor", WisDOT ID #5991-04-00, Prepared by Heritage Research, Ltd. (1996). |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. La Crosse Tribune, 24 February 1918. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |