DPW highlights extensive deterioration of Milwaukee City Hall, urges restoration
Loading...
Summary
DPW presented a multi-year inspection and a Wiss Janney Elsner report showing extensive masonry, terracotta, roof and clock-tower deterioration at Milwaukee City Hall and recommended preventative restoration to protect the 1896 landmark and avoid escalating costs.
DPW officials told the committee that Milwaukee City Hall shows widespread exterior deterioration and needs a comprehensive restoration to preserve its landmark features.
The department summarized a three-year hands-on inspection, citing corrosion of embedded steel, failing terracotta and cracked masonry on the 393-foot tower and in several gables. Officials referenced the Wiss Janney Elsner report and a peer review that recommended restoring the building’s architectural elements — including clock faces, terracotta bands, turrets, colonnades and the tower roof — to prevent further water infiltration and escalating repair costs.
"The gables' upper portions must be disassembled and rebuilt," the presentation said, noting that moisture is corroding steel and saturating clay-tile substrates. City Hall’s exterior walls are the primary load-bearing masonry and many mortar joints have deteriorated, officials said. DPW also reported that more than 350 original windows failed water tests and will be replaced with historically appropriate units.
Why it matters: City Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Speakers said delaying work would likely increase costs and risk further structural and interior damage. The department described selecting a design team led by Engberg Anderson Design Partnership with national restoration experts and said the work will include masonry stabilization, terracotta replacement, clock restoration and roof replacement.
Next steps: The presentation framed the restoration as preventive work to protect a defining civic landmark and suggested further design and contract work under the selected team to scope costs and phasing. No formal vote on City Hall restoration funding was recorded in this committee meeting.
