900 Green Bay

The small, unassuming building at 900 Green Bay is nestled between two multi-level, mixed use brick buildings and as such, may easily be overlooked. Yet, it stands as an important remnant of Hubbard Woods’ early history and commercial development.

While the exact build date is unknown, 900 Green Bay was likely built sometime in the late 19th or early 20th centuries with the address 904 Linden (now Green Bay). By 1914, maps show that four nearly identical tiny structures stood side-by-side at 904, 906, 908, and 910 Linden. By 1917, 904 Linden’s three sister buildings had been demolished and replaced by a large single building at 902 Linden, which was home to the Hubbard Woods Electric and Hardware store.

In the 1920s, the u-shaped, mixed use Tudor Revival building just south of this building was constructed and given the address 894-900 Linden (now 894-896 Green Bay). Subsequently, 904 Linden was renamed 900 ½ Linden. In the 1930s, an addition was constructed on the back of the tiny building, likely to be used as an office or storage or, possibly, as a small living space.

While maps show that 900 ½ was home to businesses throughout the first half of the 20th century, interestingly, there are no listings in the directories for any businesses until the 1950s when it was home to a jewelry retail and repair shop. It remained a jewelry shop until the 1970s when it was rented to Lawrence Romanoff Antiques. After Lawrence Romanoff Antiques closed in 1977, 900 ½ Linden was rented to various businesses, including Initial It, Leaky Water Services, and Best Wishes Inc.

Since 1995, Michael’s Shoe Repair has run a successful business at 900 Green Bay (formerly 900 ½ Linden). With a prime location in Hubbard Woods’ bustling commercial district, the building’s former and current owners have no doubt faced pressure to alter or demolish the tiny shop. Thanks to their steadfast commitment to preserving the structure as is, it is now one of the only early buildings in downtown Hubbard Woods that has stood for well over a century.