Mitchell Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Mitchell Building
|
|
Mitchell Building in 2009
|
|
| Location | 207 E. Michigan St. Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Built | 1876 |
| Architect | E. Townsend Mix |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000087 |
| Added to NRHP | April 3, 1973 |
The Mitchell Building is a beautiful, five-story building in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was built in 1876 and designed by a famous architect named E. Townsend Mix. The building has a special look called Second Empire style. Because it's so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, which means it's a protected historic landmark.
Contents
Building History and Design
Who Built the Mitchell Building?
The Mitchell Building was built for a very successful businessman named Alexander Mitchell. He was an immigrant from Scotland who came to the U.S. in 1839. By 1876, he was in charge of several big companies. These included the Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company Bank and the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He also served as a politician in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Mitchell wanted a new office building for his bank and insurance companies. This new building replaced his old bank. It is also thought to be built where Solomon Juneau's home once stood. Juneau was one of the people who helped start Milwaukee in the 1830s.
The Building's Unique Style
Mitchell hired a well-known Milwaukee architect, E. Townsend Mix, to design his new building. Mix created a five-story building in the popular Second Empire style.
The first floor of the building is made of gray granite from Minnesota. The upper floors are made of limestone. The building has many fancy details, like decorative cornices and window hoods. It also has a special mansard roof and a beautiful tower in the middle.
Inside, the building was just as fancy. It had marble floors and elegant staircases. However, many of these original interior details have changed over time due to remodeling.
Early Use and Neighbors
When the Mitchell Building was finished in 1878, Mitchell's bank and insurance company moved in. The bank stayed there until 1930.
Right next door, another important building, the Mackie Building, was started in 1879. It was also built by Alexander Mitchell and designed by E. Townsend Mix. The Mackie Building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, the outside of the Mitchell Building still looks much like it did when it was first built. It is a great example of the Second Empire style in Milwaukee.
See also
In Spanish: Mitchell Building para niños
Images for kids
-
Early photo of the Mitchell Building
-
The Mitchell Building today
