2003 Preservation Awards
Sixth Ward Library (Grieg Club)
[photo: Zane Williams]
1249 Williamson Street
John Sveum, owner, Yahara Builders
Ed Linville, architect, Linville Architects
Award: Mixed Use Restoration
The Sixth Ward Library, 1249 Williamson Street, was the first branch location of the Madison Public Library. It opened in 1913 with the help of $15,000 from Andrew Carnegie. Constructed of red brick and limestone, the simplified Collegiate Gothic style building was designed by the well-known Madison architectural firm of Claude & Starck. Inside, the large main reading room featured a vaulted ceiling and lots of natural light.
In 1958, the building was sold to the Greig Club, a social and singing group that used the upstairs to practice, and ran a members-only bar in the basement. In 2001, John Sveum purchased the building, drawn to it by its aesthetic appeal, historical significance and great location next to the Willy Street Co-op. Sveum has converted the basement into offices for his company, Yahara Builders, while turning the upstairs into a one-bedroom condominium. Ed Linville, of Linville Architects, designed the space, including a loft bedroom to take advantage of the 18-foot barrel ceiling.
Sveum retained and refinished much of the original woodwork and doors, while exposing interior brick walls. He replaced windows, did tuckpointing, and replaced a modern glass door with a pair of wooden doors similar to those originally used. Sveum refinished several original items, including a wood filing cabinet, round oak table and library bookshelf.
The building was nominated by the Madison Trust and designated an official Madison Landmark in 1995.
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Other 2003 Award Winners
Sixth Ward Library
