Property Record
1245 N WATER ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Seifert Bros. Wholesale Liquor |
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| Other Name: | London Bridge Pub and Grille |
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| Reference Number: | 86240 |
| Location (Address): | 1245 N WATER ST |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1890 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2000 |
| Historic Use: | large retail building |
| Architectural Style: | Romanesque Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Cream Brick |
| Architect: | Edward Koch and Co. |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Riesen Bros. was the builder. This structure is an excellent example of commercial buildings inspired by the Romanesque Revival. Constructed of Cream City brick it is in fair condition and has retained almost all of its original facade. This commercial building is comprised of five stories; the first three of which exhibit its original (1890) Richardsonian Romanesque characteristics, while the upper two, unsympathetic levels were added in 1987. Heavily-rusticated stone alternates with display windows and doorways along the storefront level. The upper two levels of the original, cream brick structure feature patterned brickwork between the second- and third-floor sash windows; the latter of which are topped with round arches which spring from rusticated stone work. Additionally, a two-story bay window projects from the north side of the building and the original block is topped with an elaborate brickwork cornice. After what was apparently a successful decade-and-one-half of the wholesale liquor business, J. & G. (Joseph and George) Siefert chose architect Edward Koch & Co. to design this three-story, double-store building in 1890 which had an overall cost of $11,000. By the turn-of-the-century, the Seifert brothers apparently parted ways and Joseph retained the subject business and the building. George went on to partner with Louis Miller, whom also was in the wholesale liquor business, and they located their concern on the same city block as Joseph. Joseph continued to run his business until his death in the mid-1920s. From approximately 1928 until at least 1950, the building was occupied by the Badger Brush Co. (janitorial supplies). In 1987, the building was purchased by the architectural firm of Thompson Associates and was reportedly in poor condition. The firm renovated the original three stories of the structure. In order to recoup the costs of renovation, they needed more space to lease to tenants. As a result, the additional two stories were added to the top of the original block. The London Bridge Pub currently occupies the first level, while the upper floors are occupied by various tenants, including Thompson Associates. Although the upper levels attempts to mimic the original block with sash windows and round-arch detailing, the walls of the addition are sheathed with a polymer based plaster that is applied over insulation. Additionally, the oddly-shaped roof significantly affects the building's original form and massing. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Tax Program. Permit. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |