The Flemish Renaissance inspired building required eight million bricks, weighs approximately 41, tons, has more than 47, sq. The building was one of the first to feature an extensive open atrium, of 20 by 70 feet, rising eight stories in the building's center. During the Great Depression, seven people jumped to their deaths, and an eighth died of a stroke after one of the jumpers nearly missed him.
Afterwards, in , protective wiring was placed around the center rails of the floors to prevent accidents and suicides and remained in place until Mayor John O. Norquist took office in The building measures feet from the base of the bell tower to the top of the flagpole, making it Milwaukee's sixth largest. At the time, the City did not own fire equipment which could reach the tower from the adjoining roof.
The damage was repaired from the architect's original blueprints. Before World War I, auditorium facilities on the fifth and seventh floors were converted into office space. The third floor Council Chamber was remodeled in A wrought iron balcony was removed, and a stencil design for the ceiling created. The design decorates the anteroom and adjoining chambers.
The stencil is the work of a former alderman, Carl Minkley. Interior Renovation. The repairs included replacement of the roof, gutters and downspouts, flashings and deteriorated masonry and structural steel. The exterior surface was cleaned and sealed. The wood and copper in the north tower also were renovated.
Interior restoration was begun in Some of the wire meshing of the central well was removed. The remaining wire mesh was removed in Walls, ceilings, balconies and decorative grillwork were restored.
While interior and exterior maintenance continues, the integrity of the building itself is always preserved. The renovation of the Council anteroom coincided with the nation's Bicentennial celebration. The repairs were designed an official Bicentennial observance by the Milwaukee American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, which assisted in the planning.
The Henry Uihlein mansion contributed most of the furniture, plus all the wainscoting and chandeliers. Gretchen Colnick donated the wrought iron plant stand, candelabra and brass candlesticks.
She is the daughter of noted Milwaukee metal artisan, Cyril Colnick, whose work was popular in the early s. Two magnificent stained glass windows, created as a WPA project in the s, were restored and installed in the Council Chamber in Guided interior tours of the Model B1 are available two Saturdays each month, and architecture buffs should note that one of the other homes is available as a vacation rental.
Built in , the Iron Block is a landmark of special architectural significance. The Italian Renaissance-style space is rich with frescoes, stained glass, columns, arches, and carvings. Gargoyles guard each corner of the bell tower atop the building. Upon its completion in , City Hall was the second tallest building in America, exceeded only by the Philadelphia City Hall. Inside, an expansive atrium rises up eight stories. First opened in , this imposing structure is a combination of French and Italian Renaissance styles, built of Bedford limestone and featuring a hand-carved limestone staircase.
Historic Photo Archives. Local History Manuscript Collections. The library is digitizing much of this content to bring these collections right to your living room. Stroll down memory lane with a look at the old Milwaukee Journal's Remember When photo collection or browse the Historic Recipe File for old Milwaukee favorite recipes to whet your appetite.
Recollection Wisconsin Discover photos, maps, books, artifacts, oral histories and more from dozens of Wisconsin communities. Milwaukee Public Library. Find what you're looking for at MPL: Search.
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