HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3 - St Mary's Nomination
City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
FEBRUARY 10, 2021
Wisconsin Historical Society
Historic Preservation Board of Review
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53726
Dear Members of the Board of Review,
Thank you for considering the nomination of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Complex, 619 Merritt
Avenue in Oshkosh. This distinctive complex, designed by architects Adolphus Druiding (church), E.
Brielmaier & Sons (school, 1904), and Auler & Jensen (rectory, school/hall additions, 1925), is a showcase
of Late Victorian, Gothic Revival, and Mediterranean Revival architecture. The church and school have
stood as significant Oshkosh Landmarks for over a century.
Recognizing and restoring Oshkosh’s historic buildings ensures that these treasures remain viable
anchors in our community for generations to come. Reopening the St. Mary’s School as apartments
through an adaptive reuse will showcase for residents an excellent example of early 20th century
Mediterranean architectural design and integrity. The church will maintain its original use as a parish
for religious functions. The overall complex will maintain its original appearance and architectural
integrity.
We are most grateful for your time and years of experience and expertise as you examine this nomination.
Honoring the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Complex with your approval for historic designation will
highlight additional Oshkosh structures that have been saved, restored, & revitalized with renewed life
in the 21st century.
Sincerely,
Shirley Brabender Mattox
Oshkosh Landmarks Commission, chairman