Downer Hardware – Hardware Store
The building was built in 1912, after houses in the 2600 block of North Downer Avenue were removed. According to their Facebook page, it opened in 1937. Even though it has been a True Value store at least for 34 years, people still call it simply “hardware store,” regarding it not as a chain store, but as the hardware store of the neighborhood.
What people think of Downer Hardware
Thea Kovac, who lives close by since 1975, briefly mentions Downer Hardware's service.
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Margaret Howland talks about Downer Hardware.
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The neighborhood residents often mention Downer Hardware as their service adds uniqueness to the commercial district. Donna Neal, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1991, told us that they actually suggested she borrow hardware rather than buy it, reflecting on her first time at Downer Hardware.
Architectural Change
Interior
We had little access to the interior for this research. However, you can see their old photos on their Facebook page. Next time you stop by the store, it would be interesting to look for the changes. What remains the same? What has changed? |
Exterior
In the last 34 years, the visual change of the the exterior is minimal. You can see that green fake storm windows were added to the windows on the second floor and the storefront windows were remodeled and are now closed most likely for air conditioning purposes (the entrance door is always open though). Referring to the final historic designation report, these changes were made slightly before 2001. In addition, from the disappearance of the signage, you can see the law office that used to occupy the second floor is no longer there. |
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- Chicago Historical Society, "Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co.," in Electronic Encyclopedia of Chicago, accessed July 2, 2013.
- _____, "True Value Hardware," in Electronic Encyclopedia of Chicago, accessed July 2, 2013.
- City of Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission, "Final Historic Designation Study Report: North Downer Avenue Commercial District" (Milwaukee: Historic Preservation Commission, 2001), 5, 12.
- Downer Hardware, "About," accessed July 6, 2013.
- Margaret Howland, interview by Daniel Cho and Yuko Nakamura, Milwaukee, June 19, 2013.
- Thea Kovac, interview by Daniel Cho and Yuko Nakamura, Milwaukee, June 19, 2013.
- Donna Neal, personal conversation with Daniel Cho and Yuko Nakamura, Milwaukee, June 22, 2013.
More Place-Based Stories
Go back to the map of the places. Or choose one from the list below.
Sendik's | Mulkern's Garage | Coffee Trader | Downer Theatre | Popcorn Wagon | St. Mark's | Downer Garage
Sendik's | Mulkern's Garage | Coffee Trader | Downer Theatre | Popcorn Wagon | St. Mark's | Downer Garage