Property Record
W 164 N 9021 WATER ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | STEPHEN FOBIAN HOUSE |
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| Other Name: | |
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| Reference Number: | 8212 |
| Location (Address): | W 164 N 9021 WATER ST |
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| County: | Waukesha |
| City: | Menomonee Falls |
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| Year Built: | 1862 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1984 |
| Historic Use: | house |
| Architectural Style: | Greek Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Limestone |
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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: | (Another incomplete photo code for this residence is WK 110). Description: Originally an example of "parging" in which the stone rubble wall is covered by a smooth layer of lime mortar that is then scored to imitate cut-stone, the Fobian house now has a recently stuccoed exterior. Cornice returns associated with the Greek Revival style and four bay facade located on the long side of the house with an off-set entrance topped by a transom further characterizes this mid-19th century house. Frieze windows are also visible. A two-story portico with square wooden columns apparently has been added to the house in the 20th century. Architectural/Engineering Significance: The Stephen Fobian house is not architecturally significant because the "parging" has been obliterated by the addition of stucco to the exterior. In addition, the two-story portico is not original to the structure. Historical Background: Stephen Fobain, a Danish mason, erected his dwelling on Water Street along the Menomonee River in 1862. [1, 2]. Water Street developed as a residential area east of the river along with the original business district as the Four Corners, the intersection of Appleton Avenue and Main. [2]. The Fobain home is the only surviving limestone dwelling in the original village. It resembles the Frederick Nehs house which no longer survives. [2]. In 1864, Fobian sold his home to his brother and resold it to Adam Wolf in 1865. Wolf in turn transferred it to Charles Stark of Germantown in 1866 in whose ownership it remained until 1883. The next owner Carl Lembke sold the property to Clara Hilger in 1905. This owner covered the exterior with cement in about 1912. [1]. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Architectural References: A. Mrs. Lorene Schertzel, interview with Allen Johnson, 1984. Menomonee Falls, WI. Historical References: 1. Schertzel, Lorene 1986 (interview and research notes). 2. Johnson 1985: 43-44, 89-91. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |