Property Record
205 N IOWA ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | IOWA COUNTY AUTO COMPANY;WOERPEL BUILDING |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | DODGE THEATER |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 49810 |
| Location (Address): | 205 N IOWA ST |
|---|---|
| County: | Iowa |
| City: | Dodgeville |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1920 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | 1921 1935 |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | automobile showroom |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Iowa Street Historic District |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date: | 9/6/1996 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 3/25/1996 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | Designed in the Commercial Vernacular style, this one-story automobile showroom was constructed in 1920 and 1921. (See Bib. Ref. A). It features a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a brick exterior, and a flat roof. A crenellated parapet, stringcourses and decorative panels are distinguishing elements in the architectural design. The marquee and sign appear vintage; possibly from the mid- to late-1930s or 1940s. The structure is in excellent condition. Historical Background: The Woerpel Building housed the car dealership and repair service owned by brothers Fred and Pat Woerpel and initially located in the former Spang's Opera House (402 N. Iowa Street, 47/22). The front portion of the structure served as the car display area and the rear portion, the service center, accommodating up to sixty cars. In the mid-1930s, the partnership was dissolved and the building converted for theater use. (See Bib. Ref. A, B, C). The auto sales showroom and garage was in operation at this site from 1921 to c. 1935. (See Bib. Ref. B). |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | A. Scrap Book, "Along Main Street," "Dodgeville Chronicle" articles, 1933, Iowa County Historical Society. B. Daniel M. Evans, "Profiles in the Uplands," Dodgeville: Dodgeville Chronicle, 1983), p. 7. C. 1927 Sanborn Perris Map. D. Walking Tour of Historic Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Dodgeville Historic Preservation Commission, 1995. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |