Town Square supporters from near and far gathered for the installation of a plaque designating the former Green Lake County Courthouse building on the National Register of Historic Places. This is much more than a nod to our building's important history. It's a celebration of what it has become: a vibrant gathering place in the heart of downtown pulsing with people, activities, and forward-thinking ideas. Learn more about the building’s history in the press release below.

HISTORICAL MARKER TO BE PLACED ON DOWNTOWN GREEN LAKE BUILDING

GREEN LAKE, WI, September 9, 2022 — A 123-year-old building in downtown Green Lake will soon display signage designating its placement on the National Register of Historic Places. The public is invited to attend the plaque installation ceremony at 492 Hill Street on Friday, September 23 at 5 p.m.

Town Square Community Center was awarded a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation to purchase the plaque commemorating the history of the Green Lake County Courthouse, which Town Square now occupies.  

“The courthouse has been on the national register for 40 years, but passerbys don’t know because there’s no sign to indicate the building’s significance,” said Kris Anderson, executive director of Town Square. “This funding allows us to finally display an official marker to celebrate its rich history in our community. It is especially poignant as we are also celebrating Green Lake’s 175th anniversary and the longevity of the town.”

The Green Lake County Courthouse and Jail was built in1899 and placed on the national register in 1982. The name was amended in 1985 after the jail was demolished and replaced with additional courthouse facilities. Formerly located in the neighboring lot at 486 Hill Street, the jail also housed the sheriff’s residence. 

Records from the National Register of Historic Places indicate the courthouse’s architectural and community significance.

“Designed by William Waters (1843-1917), the structure stands on a hill in the center of the city, surrounded by a landscaped square, dominating the small city of Green Lake… Skillfully executed and carefully balanced, the Green Lake County Courthouse is one of the finest examples of early Neoclassical architecture in the county, as well as an outstanding visual landmark, reflecting both the exuberance and the orderly academicism of turn-of-the-century classical revival design.”

The courthouse’s fate was uncertain after Green Lake County moved its operations to a new facility on the outskirts of the city on County Road A in 2011. A group of volunteers developed a plan to transform it into a community center that was accepted by the county after a year of deliberation. The building was sold to Town Square’s nonprofit organization for one dollar on May 12, 2012.

“The spaces were viewed as functionally obsolete and many people believed the best path forward was to tear it down,” said Fran Hill, Town Square board member and one of the original volunteers. “A decade later, Town Square is a vibrant place in the heart of downtown pulsing with people, activities, and forward-thinking ideas.” 

The ceremony to be held at Town Square on Friday, September 23 at 5 p.m. will coincide with the community’s Harvest Fest festivities.

“We hope to see everyone who has had a hand in Town Square’s success joins us for the occasion,” said Anderson. “Volunteers, donors, activity participants, quiet supporters and curious minds from near and far... All are welcome for the ceremony as we kick off our community’s biggest event of the year.”

“Stay for a tour, shop at the farmer’s market, or head to the Town Square Tap overlooking Mill Pond for live music starting at 7 p.m.,” added Hill. “This is a perfect opportunity to experience a taste of what Town Square has become.”

Town Square Community Center is 100% privately funded and operated. Located in the heart of Green Lake, its mission is to enrich the lives of the Green Lake community members, family, and friends by providing cultural, social, recreational and educational opportunities for people of all ages. Town Square is operated by Green Lake Renewal, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.