Property Record
C. 307 N IOWA ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | DODGEVILLE CITY HALL |
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| Other Name: | DODGEVILLE CITY HALL |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 49842 |
| Location (Address): | C. 307 N IOWA ST |
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| County: | Iowa |
| City: | Dodgeville |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
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| Year Built: | 1892 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | city/town/village hall/auditorium |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| 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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| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| 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. This two-story commercial vernacular structure was built in c. 1892. (See Bib. Ref. B). It features a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a cut stone foundation, a brick exterior, and a flat roof. Projecting forward on the facade is a bracketed and denticulated metal cornice with a central pediment. Brick pilasters distinguish the building's corners and a center bay -- a bay which contains a round arched main entrance and decorative corbelling. Segmental and flat arch openings, as well as lintels of varying materials characterize the windows. Stone lintels appear over the windows on the first story, while brick lintels appear above those on the second story. The structure is in good condition. The building was occupied by the public library from 1900 to the 1950's. It was also used as the Dodgeville City Hall, which vacated the premesis in 1988, after a new city hall was built. This property is not part of the Iowa Street Historic District. Architectural/Engineering Significance: A visually prominent brick structure, the Dodgeville City Hall is a locally important illustration of late nineteenth century civic architecture. The public building, which has retained its original appearance (except for a bell tower which has been removed), is a noteworthy addition to the community's architectural inventory and a pivotal element of the proposed Iowa Street Histoic District. Historical Background: The community of Dodgeville, the county seat of Iowa County, was incorporated as a city in 1889. The settlement had achieved village status in 1858. (See Bib. Ref. C). The city hall, which also housed the fire department (it was located in the basement), was constructed after a fire in December 1891 that destroyed part of the 300 block of N. Iowa Street. (See Bib. Ref. B). A historic photograph of the city hall is in the collection of the Iowa County Historical Society. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. 1894 Sanborn Perris Map. B. In December 1891, a fire destroyed this section of Dodgeville's business district. (See "Dodgeville Chronicle," 28 January 1954). The city hall appears on the 1894 Sanborn Map. C. "Sunday Telegraph," 4 May 1890. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |