Property Record
20 FOREST AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Hutter Building |
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| Other Name: | Empire Building |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 53737 |
| Location (Address): | 20 FOREST AVE |
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| County: | Fond du Lac |
| City: | Fond du Lac |
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| Year Built: | 1929 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2010 |
| Historic Use: | large office building |
| Architectural Style: | Commercial Vernacular |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
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| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | This five-story commercial building has a flat roof with a small row of brick corbelling as a cornice decoration. The building is constructed of ten bricks and window openings are regular and consist of single light sashes. A metal cornice separates the second floor from the upper floors. Second floor windows are tripartite units of sashes and a single, large pane. There are pressed metal spandrels between the first and second floors. First floor show windows are large panes with transoms. Entrances consist of metal and glass doors with sidelights. They are covered with awnings. The building has some suggestions of the popular Classical Revival style of the era in which it was built, such as the narrow cornice, pressed metal cornice, and spandrels. But the effect is modern and streamlined and strongly suggests the era of functional, undecorated buildings of the mid-twentieth century. This was an office building throughout its history, housing a variety of offices throughout. This building is historically significant for the long-time commercial activities that took place in it throughout its history. It is a fine example of a downtown office building, and has an appearance that suggests the modern office buildings of the future. It adds to the overall commercial significance of the proposed Forest Avenue Commercial Historic District. Previously surveyed in 1988. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Fond du Lac City Directories. (B) Sanborn-Perris Maps - Fond du Lac. (C) Fond du Lac Tax Rolls. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |