Waukesha, WI. – The Wisconsin Historical Society announces the listing of the John and Florence Melster House in Waukesha (Waukesha County) on the State Register of Historic Places. State Historic Preservation Officer Daina Penkiunas presents a certificate to Traci E. Schnell.
The Melster House, built in 1955, was designed to take advantage of a hilly lot with trees on the growing southeast side of the city. The Melsters selected Racine-based architect John Randal McDonald, who designed a Contemporary style house that was integrated into the site with strong horizontal lines, flat roofs, and a cantilevered balcony with large expanses of glass.
The house that McDonald designed was, and continues to be, a striking contrast to the more traditionally styled residences in the neighborhood. Two years after the house was completed, the plans for the Melster House—identified as plan #1914—were offered for purchase in the bi-annual publication, New Homes Guide.
The State Register is Wisconsin’s official list of state properties determined to be significant to Wisconsin’s heritage. The State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society administers both the State Register and National Register in Wisconsin.
This property is private. Please respect the rights and privacy of the owners.
Additional information for the John and Florence Melster House is available at
https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI227544
To learn more about the State and National Register programs in Wisconsin, visit: www.wisconsinhistory.org.
