Gilbert M. Simmons Library - Library Park Historic District - Kenosha, WI
N 42° 34.843 W 087° 49.168
16T E 432754 N 4714581
The Gilbert M. Simmons Library was built in 1900. It is the focal point of the Kenosha Library Park and is located at 711 59th Place in Kenosha, WI.
Waymark Code: WM5HED
Location: Wisconsin, United States
Date Posted: 01/08/2009
Views: 5
The Kenosha Library Park web site describes the library:
"One of Kenosha’s prominent Neo-Classical Revival civic buildings, the Simmons Library was designed by nationally acclaimed architect Daniel H. Burnham. In Chicago, Burnham was chief of construction and director of works for the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. The exposition’s “White City” did much to fuel the Neo-Classical Revival in architecture in the early twentieth century in America. Built for $150,000, the library is a one-story building sitting on a raised foundation. It has a cross plan and is built of Bedford limestone, decorated with marble, bronze, mosaics, and frescoes. At the center is the building’s dome, sitting on a drum and decorated with a running swag design. Steps lead to monumental bronze doors. Visitors are invited inside the building to view the beautiful marble interior. In 1899, Z.G. Simmons, a local industrialist, offered to build a free public library and give it to the city. He stipulated that the library be named for his late son and that the city levy a tax to support its operations. The city agreed, and on May 30, 1900, the new library was dedicated."
Name of Historic District (as listed on the NRHP): Library Park Historic District
Link to nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com page with the Historic District: [Web Link]
NRHP Historic District Waymark (Optional): [Web Link]
Address:
711 59th Place
Kenosha, WI 53140
How did you determine the building to be a contributing structure?: Narrative found on the internet (Link provided below)
Optional link to narrative or database: [Web Link]
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