Historic Preservation in Evansville

Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

Education

Chapter 62 - Evansville's Historic Preservation Ordinance

Presentations and educational workshops of interest are shared below

Wood Windows   State Resources

Local Preservation and History

The Wisconsin State Historical Society has described Evansville as "the finest collection of 1840s to 1915 architecture of any small town in Wisconsin."  

Preservation

Re-installation of the original brick-paved Main Street is a signature revitalization project.  Many downtown business owners have undertaken major building restorations, with several projects receiving preservation awards. Evansville boasts some of Wisconsin's finest historic architecture in many different styles - including Queen Anne, Victorian, Italianate, Stick, and Greek Revival.  

Local History Museum

The Evansville Grove Society, the local history organization, recently relocated the Baker Manufacturing Company Office Building to the North Madison Street entrance of Leonard-Leota Park.  The building has been restored to serve as the office for the society and as a local history museum and visitors center.  Recently, a vintage Baker Monitor windmill, donated by Baker Manufacturing Company, was installed at the visitors center.  Evansville’s colorful history is celebrated with revolving exhibits of community treasures and events.  From entrepreneurial inventions and early commercial enterprise to local circus lore and years of hosting the Rock County Fair, Evansville takes pride in decades of community vitality and sense of place. 

Historical Walking Tour 

A Historical and Architectural Walking Tour booklet has been prepared by the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission. The booklet easily fits in your purse or back pocket as you tour the city. Copies are available at City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Center, and businesses throughout town.  

Preservation Heroes

The Historic Preservation Commission recognized those that have worked hard to preserve, maintain, and restore buildings in the historic districts. The commission selected projects that from 2017-2019 applications that stood out to them.  The public voted and picked their favorites: Leonard-Leota Duck House in the West Lagoon, 45 North First Street, and 24 E Main Street