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

Grimm Book Bindery

Alvan Small, Architect

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 28, 2012

1. Grimm Book Bindery Marker

Inscription. This building is significant as the work of architect Alvan Small and as an example of a small commercial building executed in the Neoclassical style. The primary facade is of red brick with a side-gabled roof bracketed with a stepped parapet end wall. The ornament is restrained and features a center entrance with a monumentally scaled classical surround of concrete with a tall, arched, metal sash window to each side, and metal cornice with modillions. The Grimm Book Bindery operated in this building as a multi-generational family business, the only firm in Madison to exclusively bind books.

Designated August 7, 1989

Erected 2012 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 87.)

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 year for this entry is 1989.

Location. 43° 4.418′ N, 89° 23.723′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is in State-Langdon. Marker is on West Gilman Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 454 West Gilman 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. Luther Memorial Chapel (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woman's Building

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Vietnam War protesters and police clashed here (approx. 0.2 miles away); Born in Madison, the Wisconsin Idea changed the nation (approx. 0.2 miles away); University Presbyterian Church and Student Center (approx. 0.2 miles away); Washington Grade and Orthopedic School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Armory & Gymnasium (approx. ¼ mile away); Delta Upsilon Fraternity House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Grimm Book Bindery. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "The Grimm Book Bindery was founded in Madison in 1874. Gottlieb Grimm came to Madison from Germany in 1850 and in that year bound what is probably the first book bound in Madison. After working for others for over two decades, Grimm became head of the Madison Book Bindery and changed its name to his. By 1926, when this building was constructed for it, the bindery had an extensive business working for state government, the university, libraries and businesses, an enterprise that continues to this day.

"The building was designed by noted local architect,

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 28, 2012

2. Grimm Book Bindery Marker

The door on the right is on the West Gilman Street side of the building. To the left is the courtyard for the apartments that now occupy the building. The marker is on the corner between the two.

Alvan Small, in a simple red brick Georgian Revival style, intended to be reminiscent of the red brick Georgian style printing office of Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia.

"In the late 1980s the Grimm Book Bindery moved to larger premises. The Alexander Company purchased the building and renovated it into apartments in a rehabilitation project that was both imaginative and innovative."

Additional keywords. Architecture

Grimm Book Bindery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 28, 2012

3. Grimm Book Bindery

This is the entrance to the apartment courtyard.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 28, 2012

4. Grimm Book Bindery

These are the apartment entrances in the courtyard.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 28, 2012

5. Grimm Book Bindery

This is the opposite side of the building facing North Francis Street.

Photographed By William J. Toman, July 28, 2012

6. Grimm Book Bindery

The North Francis Street side of the building showing the apartment courtyard.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 847 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 28, 2012, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.