Lancaster Municipal Building (Lancaster, Wisconsin)

The Lancaster Municipal Building is a multi-purpose public building in Lancaster, Wisconsin. It houses the city hall and the Grantland Theatre, a single screen movie theatre and community performance venue. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 for its significance as an example of local Prairie School architecture. The facade features amber colored brick and white terra cotta ornamentation, while the interior includes oak moldings and plaster decoration.[1]

Lancaster Municipal Building
Lancaster Municipal Building (Lancaster, Wisconsin) is located in Wisconsin
Lancaster Municipal Building (Lancaster, Wisconsin)
Lancaster Municipal Building (Lancaster, Wisconsin) is located in the United States
Lancaster Municipal Building (Lancaster, Wisconsin)
Map
Interactive map showing the location of Lancaster Municipal Building
Location206 S. Madison St.
Lancaster, Wisconsin
Coordinates42°50′48″N 90°42′34″W / 42.8467°N 90.70933°W / 42.8467; -90.70933
Built1923
ArchitectClaude and Starck
Architectural stylePrairie School
NRHP reference No.83003397
Added to NRHPMarch 10, 1983

History edit

Madison architects Claude and Starck designed the building in 1923 to house city offices, meeting rooms, the fire department and a theater. Its cost was reported to be $130,000.[1][2] The concept of a mixed-use city hall and theater was likely inspired by the Richland Center City Auditorium built in nearby Richland Center, Wisconsin in 1912.[2]

The building has had several modifications since its original construction. The fire department moved to an offsite location in 1996, and the original three-bay fire station now houses a senior center meeting space. A single story addition on the south side of the building, originally built for the fire department, now houses the city police station.

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Lancaster Municipal Building". Wisconsin Historical Society. Retrieved 2016-06-16.
  2. ^ a b Filipowicz, Diane H. (November 1982). "Lancaster Municipal Building". NRHP Inventory-Nomination Form. National Park Service. Retrieved 2016-06-16.