Property Record
960-964 MAIN ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | H.D. McCulloch Block |
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| Other Name: | Silvermint Arcade |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 72865 |
| Location (Address): | 960-964 MAIN ST |
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| County: | Portage |
| City: | Stevens Point |
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| Year Built: | 1873 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | theater/opera house/concert hall |
| Architectural Style: | Italianate |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Mathias Mitchell Public Square--Main Street Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 8/13/1986 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | The McCulloch block ia a larger scaled structure than the majority of buildings in Stevens Point dating from the 1870's. The building stands two stories in height and is composed of a variety of materials. The facade is brick (painted), the east elevation has been covered with pressed metal and the rear of the building is stone. Stone quoins mark the corners of the McCulloch block. Apparently this building shares a party wall with McCulloch's Commercial Bank, the line between the two structures becomes indistinct beneath the pediment of the bank building. The H.D. McCulloch Block was constructed in 1873 as a double commercial block with an opera house on the second floor. This was the City's first large "cultural center" predating G.F. Andrae's Opera House by 21 years. Therefore, it is significant to the cultural history of the community for that period. McCulloch built this block as an investment following the success of the Commercial Bank next door at the present 968 Main Street. It served as a cultural center for the entire community for many years. The Gepetto's Workbench toy shop on the east end of the building was originally a grand staircase to the second floor. The McCulloch Block is one of the fine local examples of the Italianate styles in Stevens Point, and is architecturally significant as a representative example of a period of construction. Due to the larger scale McCulloch Block, this also is a major focal point in this block of the proposed district. SEE: Clifford Building, 929 Main St., 2/22; Walker's Block, 1008 Main St., 1/17; 944 Main St., 1/22; Commercial Bank, 968 Main St., 1/19. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Wisconsin Pinery, Nov. 27, 1873, p. 1, c.2-4. (B) Stevens Point Daily Journal, Jan. 14, 1928. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |