Property Record
201-205 E GRAND AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Putnam Block |
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| Other Name: | Barstow Court |
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| Reference Number: | 41328 |
| Location (Address): | 201-205 E GRAND AVE |
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| County: | Eau Claire |
| City: | Eau Claire |
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| Year Built: | 1893 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 19972019 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | The Putnam Block is located in Eau Claire's central business district on the southeast corner of E. Grand and Graham Avenues. (A three story structure housing Eau Claire's first business college headed by Leander Shaver, and the city's post office occupied this site. According to the 1948 Eau Claire Leader article (D), the post office moved out of the building in 1892 and shortly thereafter H.C. Putnam erected the present building.) The two story brick structure is distinguished by its second story fenestration pattern. On the main facade (E. Grand Avenue) the twelve bays are divided by pilasters into three groups (4-4-4). The center windows are accented by round headed arches. On the Graham Avenue facade a similar arrangement is visible, however the total number of bays is sixteen and they are divided 6-4-6. (Note: modern windows have been added). On the ground floor the original storefront area has been totally altered. In addition, early pictures of the building (c. 1910) show the center section of the main facade accented by a curvilieanr parapet (B). This element has been removed. This building is not present on the 1889 Sanborn-Perris map, but is shown on the 1897 map. In 1897 the Putnam Block housed a dry goods and notions store on the first floor and offices and a hall on the second floor. The c. 1910 photo shows the Kepler Company Dry Goods Store at this location (B,C). |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Building inscription. (B) Photo Collection - Chippewa Valley Museum. (C) 1897 Sanborn-Perris Map. (D) Eau Claire Leader, July 30, 1948. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |