A bit of local history was unwittingly uncovered recently when a billboard was removed at 27th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, revealing the above ad for the now-razed Randolph Hotel, which occupied the southwest corner of 4th and Wisconsin from 1927 until 1994.

The Randolph Brothers hoteliers built the hotel, which boasted of of its 12 floors containing 200 rooms, each with a bath.

An early postcard depicting the Randolph described is as "a new 12-story fireproof hotel, centrally located. Equipment most modern, exquisitely appointed lounges, Beauty Parlor, Barber Shop, Roanoke Room and Cafe. 200 Rooms-200 Baths. Randolph Bros. Hotel Co., Proprietors."

The hotel was razed in the mid-1990s (see reader Jeff Thomas' great photos of that event above, too) and many developments have been proposed for the site which has remained a surface parking lot. Also raised around the same time were the other structures on the northern half of the city block also bordered by Michigan Street and 5th Street.

Most recently, those buildings had been home to a wig shop, a Marc's Big Boy and the Starship rock and roll club.

Thanks to OnMilwaukee.com reader Michail Takach for the tip.