Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Kessenich's Building

Frank Riley, Architect

— 1923 —

Kessenich's Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, January 16, 2012

1. Kessenich's Building Marker

Inscription. The Kessenich's building is significant as an example of the Commercial French Renaissance style as designed by Frank Riley. The building features an artfully assembled façade uniting two street frontages and the adjoining corner. The long façades have identical treatments with paired pilasters, large plate glass display windows and decorative panels with ornament in relief, united at the corner by a monumentally scaled, arched entrance. Originally a women's clothing and dry goods store, its location is notable, signaling the expansion of commercial development from the Capitol Square to State Street.

Designated March 16, 1999

Erected 2011 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 139.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 16, 1919.

Location. 43° 4.48′ N, 89° 23.3′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of North Fairchild Street and State Street, on the right when traveling north on North Fairchild Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 State Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Orpheum Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Lamb Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Schubert Building (about 400 feet away); Holy Redeemer School Building (about 400 feet away); Willett S. Main Building (about 400 feet away); Holy Redeemer Catholic Church (about 400 feet away); Grace Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Grace Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Kessenich's Building. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "This imposing French Renaissance style building was erected for Kessenich's Dry Goods store, which specialized in women's clothing. With the involvement of the Yost family, the business eventually became known as 'Yosts,' a name that many people remember it by today. The elegant materials, craftsmanship and design of the building were meant to convey the high quality of the goods inside. In 1940 it was said to be 'one of the first large stores on State Street .. credited with being largely responsible for the business development of that thoroughfare.' The façade of the building has been retained as part of the Overture complex."

Related markers. Click here for

Photographed By William J. Toman, January 16, 2012

2. Kessenich's Building Marker

The marker is just to the left of the "monumentally scaled, arched entrance" mentioned in the marker.

a list of markers that are related to this marker. This is a list of markers for buildings designed by Frank Riley.

Additional keywords. Architecture

Yost's-Kessenich's Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, January 16, 2012

3. Yost's-Kessenich's Building

This view of the building shows its integration into the Overture Center, with the glass dome on top and the Capitol Theater façade to the right.

State Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, January 16, 2012

4. State Street

This is a view up State Street toward the Capitol, with the Overture Center on the right (and the Yost's-Kessenich's Building at the corner on the right) and the Orpheum Theater (also a landmark) on the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 749 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 17, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.