Property Record
2741 W FOND DU LAC AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Kilbourn State Bank |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 78296 |
| Location (Address): | 2741 W FOND DU LAC AVE |
|---|---|
| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1905 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | 1928 1915 |
| Survey Date: | 19992024 |
| Historic Use: | bank/financial institution |
| Architectural Style: | Neoclassical/Beaux Arts |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | Frank W. Andree |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
|---|---|
| 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, Division of Historic Preservation. The Kilbourn State Bank was incorporated in 1915 and remained in the subject building until 1971. Between 1971 and 1979, the structure was occupied by the North Milwaukee State Bank, the State of Wisconsin's first African-American owned-and-operated banking facility. This structure was originally the site of a photography gallery opened by Ferdinand A. Steinborn in 1895. Business apparently prospered, for by 1905, Steinborn replaced his initial shop with the subject structure. Steinborn leased the first floor and a portion of the basement of his studio to the bank. Contractual agreements included a remodeling provision for the financial institution; thus, Steinborn removed a balcony, installed a vault, and added piers along the primary facade. Work was concluded by August 1915, and the bank opened shortly thereafter. Following the remodeling, the day to day operations of the photo studio were turned over to Steinborn's son, Arthur. Steinborn's widow and children sold the subject building to the bank in 1927. Arthur Steinborn subsequently leased the second-floor studio from the bank for the next three years. Remodeling occurred in 1928, which included both removal of projecting windows as well as a new exterior stair, costing $25,000. Remodeling also included a new, flat roof. 2024 - No change |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | Original date of construction--1905, with alterations in 1915 and 1928, the latter of which is the date for the extant design. (Permit information). "Preliminary Historic Designation Study Report: Kilbourn State Bank Building." Prepared by Carlen Hatala, Historic Preservation Staff, City of Milwaukee, Department of City Development, 1999. Information regarding the North Milwaukee State Bank can be found in "Wisconsin Gets Its First Black Controlled Bank." in Investor: Wisconsin's Business Magazine. Vol. 2, No. 2 (February 1971), 16-21, 29, 31-33. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |