The Hayes Block

Your Modern Office Location in an Historic Building
in the Heart of Downtown Janesville, WI

The History of the Hayes Block

The Historic Hayes Block, originally constructed in 1855, is the focal point of the Main and Milwaukee Street intersection in the heart of Janesville’s downtown.

Standing on the site of Henry Janes’ cabin, one of the first dwellings constructed by white men in Rock County, the Hayes Block is today a modern office facility.

In 1842, Thomas Lappin erected a two-story store on the site. Thirteen years later he completed this four story office block, a handsome Italianate style structure.

One of the most significant tenants ever to occupy the building was the Mutual Life Insurance Company of Janesville, known today as Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, headquartered in Milwaukee since 1859. Organized in 1847, with offices in the now demolished Exchange Block in Janesville, the company's offices were relocated to the Lappin Block in 1858.

From the date of its opening in November, 1855 until its seats were sold to Ringling Brothers in 1899, Lappin's Hall on the upper floors was a center of cultural and social life in the Janesville area. For its first 15 years, until the Myers Opera House was opened in 1870, it was the principal public hall in the city

In 1888, Thomas Lappin wrote out his will, specifying the order in which his executors might sell his real estate holdings, ending with the instruction that "in no event sell my four story Block unless my said Executors are unable to mortgage the same."

These photos, courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society show the building as it appeared in 1892, prior to the installation of the corner bays.

In spite of Lappin's instruction, following his death in 1899, the building was purchased by Dennis and Michael Hayes, Janesville contractors. Their remodeling included the installation of an elevator and the construction of a new central lightwell. Exterior additions included a Queen Anne style sheet metal cornice and two pressed metal rounded bays at the corners.

The Hayes Block today

Today the Hayes Block is home to an assortment of  professional offices, including legal, financial, and personal service firms, and governmental agencies. The first floor remains primarilly retail.

A central feature is a three story atrium capped by a large skylight. Second through fourth floor office suites open onto the atrium, which has a lounge and reception area on the second floor.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a winner of the prestigious Honor Award from the Wisconsin Society of Architects.

The Hayes Block is one of the oldest buildings still in existence in the central business district in Janesville.