105-107 4TH ST

105-107 4TH ST

Sauk

Baraboo

1886

1989,2014

large retail building

Italianate

Brick

Brick

Vanderveer & Co.

No

A large projecting pediment with "1886" in relief is centered in the pressed metal cornice above 12 rows of corbelling. A narrow band or corbelling emcompassing the lowest three rows stretches between pilasters of constrasting cream brick. Two two-bay storefronts comprise the building, with a stairwell at the western edge. Windows are segmentally arched and have stone hoods with unusual keystones in which a "floral" motif appears, highlighted by contrasting paint. The original storefronts have been removed and replaced with modern materials, including brick veneer and a protruding metal awning. This Italianate retail building, which is in good condition, was constructed using a rectangular shaped plan configuration, a brick exterior, a trim of stone, cream brick and metal, and a tar covered flat roof. Architectural/Engineering Significance: Care has been taken to preserve the architectural character of the building; the cornice is freshly painted, windows are unaltered and the original contrasting pattern of red and cream brick are left exposed. The pediment and window hoods are of interest as well. As such it is a good example of late 19th century commercial design. Despite alterations to the storefronts, the building is considered contributive to the historic and architectural character of the commercial district as the Castle Hall of the Knights of Pythias, home of the Modern Woodmen of America, and as an element of an intact block face. Historical Background: The building was erected in 1886 by Jasper Ewing, whose livery had formerly occupied the building at 117-119 Fourth Street. At the time, the 44 x 108 red brick building, built by Gollmar, Vanderveer and Co., was the largest and most costly building in the second ward. (See Bib. Ref. A). It housed saloons until the 1920's, including those of D. Chamberlein, F. E. Shults, Jasper Ewing and Fred Junk. The building also housed several social and fraternal organizations, including the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias, who called this their "Castle Hall." In the 1930's it was divided to house two stores, the Kerndt grocery and a shoe repair shop. Kerndts remained until about 1960, and shortly thereafter the building was purchased by Al Follendorf, who has operated a clothing store here since that time, the current "Vogue" women's shop replacing "Dorf's" men's and women's apparel.

A. Baraboo Republic, 1/6/1886. B. Mercantile Appraisal Card Office of the City Assessor. C. Baraboo Business and Telephone Directories. D. BARABOO NEWS REPUBLIC 10/19/1995.

Downtown Baraboo Historic District

Jun 08, 2015

Aug 15, 2014

Yes