The Mansions of Grand Avenue - Facebook Live Talk

[@jeffmrochinski]

This is a great presentation. Glad we have the Pabst Mansion and WI Club still around since the maintenance costs on these homes is extraordinary. I love WI Avenue in it's contemporary form- it's a fascinating street with structures that span 150 years!

[@wisconsinplacesarecool]

This is absolutely fascinating! We just moved downtown. I went to MUHS and MU so I am fascinated by the history of WI Ave. I attending one of your presentations a few years ago. Thank you for your work on this!!!

[@christianocampo4631]

Love it!!

[@karenawagner2691]

I can’t believe they distroyed all those beautiful mansons and built all those ugly buildings we have there now.Milwaukee at one time was a beautiful city and now looks like crap, at least we still have some beautiful homes on Lake Dr and close to the lake on the East side.

[@501rivet]

By the 1960's Milwaukee had lost its status and physical identity created by prior 1900 wealth and social culture. The city has lost a majority of its early 1900's historical character today becoming another "wannabe" metro hub. Also, Marquette U deserves responsibility for Milwaukee's current negative/neutral physical presence, putting its own agenda before that of the city itself by its ruthless expansion to the west. Too bad Milwaukee has to "fast forward" to the 2000's to claim any architecture creativity of merit.

[@svagrod]

Don't forget about Concordia University destroying a lot of old architecture also.

[@501rivet]

@@svagrod ,,Yes, i have read/heard, probably at the annual home tour, the properties Concordia bought they stripped out any architecture "finery" like windows and fireplace mantels. (Most went to a "antique" architecture dealer west of Franklin, Wisconsin). I worked at a antique mall in Milwaukee in the 90's, and these items were flowing through the stores regularly, though not confirmed to be of Grand Avenue, Highland Blvd., or Concordia neighborhood origins. Even today in 2022, any home is vulnerable to being stripped out. Its up to todays observant historical warriors to recognize the opportunistic vandalism and, if located in a historical district, report it.

[@davedefea5530]

The history of these buildings, architects and builders makes no sense at all. The electric drill was invented in 1895. How are they building these castles, with horses and wagons? ALL handmade? Where did all these craftsman come from? Clearly these buildings where there much longer than the story leads one to believe. Then they have to tear it all down and put up a taco bell. We see this all over the world.