Historical Buildings Tour (Self Guided), Milwaukee
Milwaukee's cityscape is richly adorned with an array of historical architecture, showcasing various styles and periods that have shaped its identity. These buildings represent remarkable achievements of craftsmanship and design, reflecting the skills of their creators and the eras in which they emerged. Here, the grandeur of Richardsonian Romanesque, the opulence of Beaux-Arts, and the intricate detailing of cast-iron marvels come together in a blend of visual delight.
At the heart of this architectural wealth stands the Milwaukee City Hall, an exquisite exemplar of the Flemish Renaissance Revival style. Its impressive sandstone façade, adorned with intricate carvings, and the iconic clock tower command attention and evoke a sense of civic pride.
The Pabst Theatre, on the other hand, captures the grandeur of the Neo-Gothic style.
Walking through the city's streets, you'll encounter the Iron Block Building, whose beauty exemplifies the Italianate style with its detailed cast-iron frontage.
The Mitchell Building is a fascinating blend of Second Empire and Renaissance Revival elements, highlighted by its intricate façade details.
Meanwhile, the Birchard-Follansbee Block, featuring Italianate style with a French Second Empire mansard, adds a touch of classical elegance to the urban setting.
Among these historical gems, the Milwaukee Federal Building stands as a prime example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Its dignified limestone exterior conveys a sense of timeless authority, reminding us of the city's history and enduring values.
Milwaukee's historical buildings are more than just structures, but the tangible connections to the city's past. Collectively, they contribute to Milwaukee's identity, telling stories of its evolution, resilience, and aesthetic refinement.
Exploring these structures allows you to appreciate the city's evolution and the artistry of its builders. So, whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply curious about Milwaukee's heritage, we encourage you to explore these landmarks on foot and hear the stories of the generations that came here before us.
At the heart of this architectural wealth stands the Milwaukee City Hall, an exquisite exemplar of the Flemish Renaissance Revival style. Its impressive sandstone façade, adorned with intricate carvings, and the iconic clock tower command attention and evoke a sense of civic pride.
The Pabst Theatre, on the other hand, captures the grandeur of the Neo-Gothic style.
Walking through the city's streets, you'll encounter the Iron Block Building, whose beauty exemplifies the Italianate style with its detailed cast-iron frontage.
The Mitchell Building is a fascinating blend of Second Empire and Renaissance Revival elements, highlighted by its intricate façade details.
Meanwhile, the Birchard-Follansbee Block, featuring Italianate style with a French Second Empire mansard, adds a touch of classical elegance to the urban setting.
Among these historical gems, the Milwaukee Federal Building stands as a prime example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. Its dignified limestone exterior conveys a sense of timeless authority, reminding us of the city's history and enduring values.
Milwaukee's historical buildings are more than just structures, but the tangible connections to the city's past. Collectively, they contribute to Milwaukee's identity, telling stories of its evolution, resilience, and aesthetic refinement.
Exploring these structures allows you to appreciate the city's evolution and the artistry of its builders. So, whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply curious about Milwaukee's heritage, we encourage you to explore these landmarks on foot and hear the stories of the generations that came here before us.
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Historical Buildings Tour Map
Guide Name: Historical Buildings Tour
Guide Location: USA » Milwaukee (See other walking tours in Milwaukee)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Author: StaceyP
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Milwaukee (See other walking tours in Milwaukee)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Author: StaceyP
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Milwaukee City Hall
- Pabst Theatre
- Iron Block Building
- Mitchell Building
- Birchard-Follansbee Block
- Milwaukee Federal Building
1) Milwaukee City Hall (must see)
The iconic Milwaukee City Hall is one of the most recongizable landmarks of the city. It has been used in pop culture to signify Milwaukee. It is also prominent in outlines of the city.
The Milwaukee City Hall was built in 1895. The architect, Henry C. Koch, designed numerous buildings in Wisconsin and around the Midwestern United States. The Flemish Renaissance Revival style used in the City Hall has since been reflected in the nearby buildings to create a cohesive style and to reflect the wide German ancestry of the region.
The building was the tallest structure in Milwaukee through 1973 when the First Wisconsin Center was built. That was also the year that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can tour the bell tower of the Milwaukee City Hall, which was reassembled from 2006 to 2008. However, tours are not offered on a regular basis and may not be available during the time that the visit occurs. Most tourists who visit the area are delighted to observe the beauty of the structure from street level.
Milwaukee City Hall is located near the Milwaukee River, which is a beautiful and pleasant part of any walking tour of the city. Other nearby landmarks and interesting sites include Cathedral Square Park, Red Arrow Park and Marcus Performing Arts Center. Tourists will also enjoy visiting the Milwaukee Riverwalk District either before or after stopping by the Milwaukee City Hall.
Why You Should Visit:
The city hall is one of the most important and recognizable buildings in Milwaukee and a city landmark.
Tips:
The bell tower has a large number of steep steps so tourists should be prepared for an arduous trek.
The Milwaukee City Hall was built in 1895. The architect, Henry C. Koch, designed numerous buildings in Wisconsin and around the Midwestern United States. The Flemish Renaissance Revival style used in the City Hall has since been reflected in the nearby buildings to create a cohesive style and to reflect the wide German ancestry of the region.
The building was the tallest structure in Milwaukee through 1973 when the First Wisconsin Center was built. That was also the year that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can tour the bell tower of the Milwaukee City Hall, which was reassembled from 2006 to 2008. However, tours are not offered on a regular basis and may not be available during the time that the visit occurs. Most tourists who visit the area are delighted to observe the beauty of the structure from street level.
Milwaukee City Hall is located near the Milwaukee River, which is a beautiful and pleasant part of any walking tour of the city. Other nearby landmarks and interesting sites include Cathedral Square Park, Red Arrow Park and Marcus Performing Arts Center. Tourists will also enjoy visiting the Milwaukee Riverwalk District either before or after stopping by the Milwaukee City Hall.
Why You Should Visit:
The city hall is one of the most important and recognizable buildings in Milwaukee and a city landmark.
Tips:
The bell tower has a large number of steep steps so tourists should be prepared for an arduous trek.
2) Pabst Theatre
Pabst Theatre was constructed in 1895 to bring theatre to the city of Milwaukee. After more than 100 years in operation, the Pabst is one of the oldest theatres in the country that has seen continuous use since its first performance.
The Pabst was built at the request of Frederick Pabst. He had previously owned the Nunnemacher Grand Opera House, which was destroyed in a fire. The Pabst was built on the same site as the Nunnemacher in a German Renaissance Revival style designed by Otto Strack. Some of the updates that Strack made in his design were the inclusion of all-electric lights, an electric organ, an air conditioner and fire curtains. All of these items were both rare and revolutionary at the time.
The Pabst was named a National Historic Landmark in 1991. It was also named as a landmark of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin.
Visitors can enjoy the style of the Pabst from the outside or they can plan to attend a show. Guests can enjoy concerts, plays, ballet performances and other special events.
The Pabst was built at the request of Frederick Pabst. He had previously owned the Nunnemacher Grand Opera House, which was destroyed in a fire. The Pabst was built on the same site as the Nunnemacher in a German Renaissance Revival style designed by Otto Strack. Some of the updates that Strack made in his design were the inclusion of all-electric lights, an electric organ, an air conditioner and fire curtains. All of these items were both rare and revolutionary at the time.
The Pabst was named a National Historic Landmark in 1991. It was also named as a landmark of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin.
Visitors can enjoy the style of the Pabst from the outside or they can plan to attend a show. Guests can enjoy concerts, plays, ballet performances and other special events.
3) Iron Block Building
The Iron Block Building is a unique, cast iron building located close to the banks of the Milwaukee River at Water Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The building was completed in 1860 using a design by architect George H. Johnson.
The panels of the iron building were cast in New York and shipped to Milwaukee to create a four story structure that would be fire resistant and long-lasting. It was constructed in Italianate style, unlike many of the German-influences found in most of the city's architecture at the time.
The Iron Block Building was originally constructed as a commercial property with the plan to fill the structure with businesses of all types. The top floor of the building was occupied by the Excelsior Lodge of Masons, which is why its first name was the Excelsior Block.
The building fell into disrepair and was deemed to be a public safety threat as portions of the facade had a habit of falling into the street. In 2012, the building was purchased by the Dental Associates who embarked on the task of restoring the Iron Block Building to the structure visitors can see today. It is now a completely renovated building and the home of Dental Associates Family and Specialty Care.
The panels of the iron building were cast in New York and shipped to Milwaukee to create a four story structure that would be fire resistant and long-lasting. It was constructed in Italianate style, unlike many of the German-influences found in most of the city's architecture at the time.
The Iron Block Building was originally constructed as a commercial property with the plan to fill the structure with businesses of all types. The top floor of the building was occupied by the Excelsior Lodge of Masons, which is why its first name was the Excelsior Block.
The building fell into disrepair and was deemed to be a public safety threat as portions of the facade had a habit of falling into the street. In 2012, the building was purchased by the Dental Associates who embarked on the task of restoring the Iron Block Building to the structure visitors can see today. It is now a completely renovated building and the home of Dental Associates Family and Specialty Care.
4) Mitchell Building
The Mitchell Building was erected in 1876 as a home to Alexander Mitchell's booming businesses. The building was specifically designed for his banking and insurance companies. It was designed in Second Empire style by architect E. Townsend Mix.
Mix was known for designing a number of ornate buildings in and around the Milwaukee area. Other structures completed by Mix include the National Soliders Home, the Wisconsin Leather Company Building, the Mackie Building and the Immanuel Presbyterian Church. While the Mitchell Building is the best surviving example of Mix's designs, visitors can see his other buildings while they explore the city.
The Mitchell building's material consists of marble, Minnesota granite and limestone. This combination has allowed the building to remain sturdy over the years. In 1973, the Mitchell Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Mitchell building is thought to rest on the site of the home of Milwaukee founder Solomon Juneau.
Mix was known for designing a number of ornate buildings in and around the Milwaukee area. Other structures completed by Mix include the National Soliders Home, the Wisconsin Leather Company Building, the Mackie Building and the Immanuel Presbyterian Church. While the Mitchell Building is the best surviving example of Mix's designs, visitors can see his other buildings while they explore the city.
The Mitchell building's material consists of marble, Minnesota granite and limestone. This combination has allowed the building to remain sturdy over the years. In 1973, the Mitchell Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Mitchell building is thought to rest on the site of the home of Milwaukee founder Solomon Juneau.
5) Birchard-Follansbee Block
The Birchard-Follansbee Block was built by Alanson Follansbee in 1867 from an original design by E. Townsend Mix. The building was designed in the Italianate style with a French Second Empire mansard roof. That roof was later partially replaced when a fifth floor was added in 1899.
The building served as offices and a place of commerce for a number of different businesses. The longest-term occupant was Reckmeyer Furs, who moved into the Birchard-Follansbee Block in 1939 and stayed there for 30 years.
The building has housed the Johnson Bank since 2000. It is a popular stop on walking tours because it is centrally located between Milwaukee Bay and the Milwaukee River. visitors can admire the architecture from outside and even take a peek indoors if they want to see interiors that feature ionic capitals, a beamed ceiling and ornate trim.
The building served as offices and a place of commerce for a number of different businesses. The longest-term occupant was Reckmeyer Furs, who moved into the Birchard-Follansbee Block in 1939 and stayed there for 30 years.
The building has housed the Johnson Bank since 2000. It is a popular stop on walking tours because it is centrally located between Milwaukee Bay and the Milwaukee River. visitors can admire the architecture from outside and even take a peek indoors if they want to see interiors that feature ionic capitals, a beamed ceiling and ornate trim.
6) Milwaukee Federal Building
The Federal Building has been in use since the late 19th century. It was designed by architect W.J. Edbrooke in a Richardsonian Romanesque style. The building sits on land that was originally owned by Milwaukee's founder, Solomon Juneau.
The five-story building is made from granite and encompasses a full city block. Tourists will see Roman columns and arches, steeply pitched roofs, multiple towers and a belfry. Though it was completed in 1892, more space was added to the building during the Great Depression. A refurbishment project commenced in 1989 when the interior of the building was returned to its original design and colors while the stone and brickwork was improved. This restoration project, which was completed in 1996, also added more office space and a central heating and cooling system.
Visitors to Milwaukee can view the Federal Building as they walk across Wisconsin Avenue. They will also see other historic buildings surrounding the Milwaukee Federal Building. These include the Pfiser Hotel and the Milwaukee Club.
The five-story building is made from granite and encompasses a full city block. Tourists will see Roman columns and arches, steeply pitched roofs, multiple towers and a belfry. Though it was completed in 1892, more space was added to the building during the Great Depression. A refurbishment project commenced in 1989 when the interior of the building was returned to its original design and colors while the stone and brickwork was improved. This restoration project, which was completed in 1996, also added more office space and a central heating and cooling system.
Visitors to Milwaukee can view the Federal Building as they walk across Wisconsin Avenue. They will also see other historic buildings surrounding the Milwaukee Federal Building. These include the Pfiser Hotel and the Milwaukee Club.
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