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

Smith and Lamb Block

David R. Jones, Architect

— 1876 —

Smith and Lamb Block Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William J. Toman, October 7, 2014

1. Smith and Lamb Block Marker

Inscription. Designed by David R. Jones[,] one of Madison's early prominent architects, the Smith and Lamb Block is an example of the Gothic Revival style and the only known commercial building of that style in the city. Executed in red and cream brick and sandstone creating a polychromatic effect, it rests on a cut stone foundation and is ornamented with ogee arches over the doors and windows. Jones' influence on the character of Madison lies in both the buildings he designed and the future generation of architects he trained, including Edward Starck, O.J. Williams and F.W. Paunack.

Designated September 13, 1993

Erected 2014 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 103.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 13, 1914.

Location. 43° 4.368′ N, 89° 23.058′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is at the intersection of South Hamilton Street and West Main Street, on the left when traveling north on South Hamilton Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

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

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marker: Jackman Building (a few steps from this marker); Mohr / Christoffer Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Baskerville Apartments (within shouting distance of this marker); Way of the Cross at Cathedral Place (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); What would you have seen here 14,000 years ago? (about 500 feet away); Hotel Loraine (about 500 feet away); This city was planned in 1836 (about 500 feet away); Grace Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Smith and Lamb Block. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "When attorneys George Smith and Francis Lamb announced plans for their new block, the newspaper said it would have 'a novel and attractive appearance.' The building was designed in the unusual High Victorian Gothic style, which featured medieval arches and two-toned brickwork. The only other building in this style in Madison is Music Hall on the UW campus, also designed by D. R. Jones. Over the years many prominent attorneys have had their offices in this building."

Additional keywords. architecture

Photographed by William J. Toman, October 7, 2014

2. Smith and Lamb Block Marker

The marker is on the right side of the South Hamilton Street side of the building.

Smith and Lamb Block image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William J. Toman, October 7, 2014

3. Smith and Lamb Block

This is the West Main Street side of the building.

Photographed by William J. Toman, October 7, 2014

4. Smith and Lamb Block

Detail of the capital of the column supporting the ogee arches mentioned in the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2014, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 775 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 14, 2014, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 16, 2014, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.