Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory
| Industry | Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1883 |
| Fate | Renamed Hansen Auto Body Company in 1917; moved out in 1957 |
| Headquarters | Madison , United States |
| Products | Horse-drawn wagons and carriages, automobiles (after 1917) |
The Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory, located at 602 Railroad Street in Madison, Wisconsin, was constructed in 1903 by the Wisconsin Wagon Company for the production of horse-drawn wagons and carriages. In 1917, the company shifted focus to automobile manufacturing, adopting the name Hansen Auto Body Company, and continued using the facility until it moved in 1957. This building is a notable example of a well-maintained textile mill industrial loft, a prevalent factory design from the early twentieth century. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
History
The Wisconsin Wagon Company, established in 1883, purchased the property that year, which originally contained a stone manufacturing structure and a warehouse. The existing factory replaced the warehouse in 1903 and was built alongside the stone building. An expansion completed in 1911 unified all production areas under one roof, resulting in the demolition of the original stone structure. The firm manufactured horse-drawn vehicles until it transitioned to automobile production in 1917 and rebranded as Hansen Auto Body Company. After vacating the premises in 1957, the building functioned as a storage facility for Automatic Temperature Supplies until 1974. In 1985, Madison Gas & Electric acquired the site.
On November 15, 2002, the factory was officially listed on the National Register and also received designation as a Madison landmark within that same year.
Architecture
This factory represents a textile mill industrial loft style characterized by its elongated and narrow layout designed to maximize airflow and daylight—features typical between 1885 and 1930. The structure's timber framing was subsequently reinforced with steel to bear substantial loads effectively. The textile mill subtype prioritizes fire safety and vibration reduction, demonstrated through exposed beams and walls, along with staircases and elevators positioned closely together. Although primarily functional in design, ornamental details include pilasters flanking the entryway and a parapet adorned with corner projections resembling battlements.