Jessie And John F. Kern House
History
John Kern purchased the land on Park Avenue in 1899 and in August 1899, it was reported in the local news that Kern would build the home at cost between $20,000 and $25,000 (approximately $659,197.59 to $751,557.69 in 2021 dollars). The building was to be constructed with stone and brick and Crane & Barkhausen were to be the architects. The Krueger family bought the home in the 1930s. In the 1950s the home was converted into a duplex. In subsequent years the home was remodeled and repurposed and now it survives as a historic masion.
Architectural elements
The building is an example of German Renaissance Revival style. The building is considered a villa. The wealthy Germans in the Milwaukee area built many homes in the style. The home has a brick facade and arcaded corbeling which are typical of this German revival style. The ornamental iron work was done by Cyril Colnik. The home is considered to be one of the first to have zoned air conditioning system. The home has 16 rooms: five bedrooms, four and a half baths. The front of the building features an octagonal bartizan. The front porch has large stone arches. The interior of the home has stained glass windows in every room, woodwork throughout and a multiple fireplaces. The floors are adorned with beautiful inlaid wood. The home's parlor is replete with Honduran mahogany.
See also
References
- ^ "HISTORIC DESIGNATION STUDY REPORT" (PDF). city.milwaukee.gov. Wisconsin Historic Society. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
- ^ "Property record 2569 N Wahl Ave Architecture and History Inventory". wisconsinhistory. Wisconsin Historical Society. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
- ^ Tanzilo, Bobby. "Urban spelunking: John Kern's Wahl Avenue mansion, now for sale". onmilwaukee. On Milwaukee. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2021.