The village now known as Kohler was originally called Riverside and was part of the Town of Sheboygan. It was established in 1900 when the Kohler Company built a new plant in the area.
The village became incorporated as the Village of Kohler in 1912. Most of the original homes in the village were built between 1917 and 1931, and around 95% of them are owned by the residents. The Kohler Company still has control over the design of home and business additions, outbuildings, and fences in order to maintain a specific aesthetic standard.
In 1900, Kohler Company moved from Sheboygan to its current location. The company’s CEO, Walter J. Kohler Sr., wanted to create a great American city where people could own homes in pleasant surroundings and have a balanced home life.
In 1913, Kohler traveled to Europe, where he studied the communities of Krupp Steel Works and had discussions with urban planner Sir Ebenezer Howard, known for his “garden city” concept. Starting in 1917, Kohler began planning for the village, and he enlisted the help of the Olmsted Brothers, the famous landscape architectural firm.
By 1931, Kohler Village had gained recognition for its unique blend of industry and community life. The New York Times described it as the fulfillment of an ideal that had been long sought after.
The village was seen as a compact manufacturing center surrounded by beautiful homes, unlike other towns, with no visible signs of industrial waste.
Kohler, Wisconsin is a thriving town known for its manufacturing plant and picturesque community. The town has a strong emphasis on quality and artistic design.
Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with beautiful homes and landscaped surroundings. The town is known for its commitment to preserving a certain aesthetic standard, with the Kohler Company having authority over the design of buildings and fences.
Kohler offers a balanced mix of industry and community, making it a desirable place to live, work, and with several world-class championship golf courses and the world famous American Club, Kohler resort nearby, relax and play.
For more information:
1925 Newspaper Article (Courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society)
