fragments salvaged from the extant mabbett & breed's block (1858) located in milwaukee, wi.

on occasion urban remains ventures to acquire architectural artifacts from outside chicago, and this week brought a fragment from a mid-nineteenth century building in milwaukee that is undergoing redevelopment. the artifact is an original section of allover crazed painted cast iron entryway load-baring column with an exceptional rope motif indicative of 1860's and early 1870's architectural design.

the cast iron fragment was culled from the modified entryway of the building, having been the sole supports flanking the doorway entrance. the structure from which it originated is a two-story arcaded italianate brick block. 

the facade bears the name "mabbett & breed's block" above the second story arched window openings, reflecting the lumber merchants-- hiram mabbett and charles breed-- who commissioned the construction at 184-188 s. 2nd street in 1858. the corner building dates to 1868, while an adjacent structure at 130 w. pittsburgh avenue was added as late as 1947.

originally the buildings housed a variety of merchants, from leather and furniture retailers to a dry goods store and an apothecary. all four properties were purchased for redevelopment as a multi-use retail and apartment project, and as of recently the entire complex has been gutted, being refinished with wooden studs and drywall.

among the buildings occupants was arthur welch, who in 1931 started manufacturing leather finishes in milwaukee for the burgeoning tanning industry. the 1940's addition to the block housed welch's company--prime leather finishes-- which began producing shoe creams, leather protectors and softeners. the company passed on to his brother frank in 1946, and in 1955 to frank's son.