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

Philip Schoen Building

David R. Jones, Architect

— 1875 —

Philip Schoen Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 26, 2012

1. Philip Schoen Building Marker

Inscription. The Schoen building is significant as an excellent example of an Italianate style commercial building from Madison's earliest commercial era. Constructed of local sandstone and designed by one of Madison's most influential architects, the building features an original cast iron storefront at the ground floor. Characteristics of the Italianate style are evident in the tall upper story windows featuring segmental arched, stone window hoods and similarly arched wood sash windows. This building was built by German immigrant Philip Schoen, for his Capitol Bakery, Restaurant and Saloon.

Designated October 15, 2002

Erected 2012 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 151.)

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 October 15, 1989.

Location. 43° 4.502′ N, 89° 22.874′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and South Webster Street, on the left when traveling west on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 117 East Main Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

. Suhr Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker); King Street Arcade (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Eben and Rosaline Peck (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dick-Eddy Buildings (about 300 feet away); Fess Hotel (about 300 feet away); Peck Cabin (about 400 feet away); Capitol Square has long been the heart of the city (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Philip Schoen Building. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "German immigrant Philip Schoen commissioned this building and operated his Capitol Bakery, Restaurant and Saloon here until 1885. The restaurant and saloon continued under new ownership until around 1940. It is an elegant nineteenth-century commercial building in the heart of the first commercial district in the city, which formed around the King St. corner of the square. The façade is clad in Madison sandstone blocks and the other elevations are in cream brick. The storefront features cast iron and a sandstone cornice."

Additional keywords. Architecture

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 27, 2012

2. Philip Schoen Building Marker

The marker is barely visible inside the doorway on the right side of the building.

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 26, 2012

3. Philip Schoen Building Marker

This is a closeup view of the doorway with the marker inside, which also shows the cast iron (left) and sandstone (right) portions of the storefront.

Philip Schoen Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, October 27, 2012

4. Philip Schoen Building

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 596 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 26, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 29, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.