As OnMilwaukee.com posted coverage of yesterday’s fire at North Avenue and Oakland Avenue, readers' Talkbacks started pouring in. Some lamented the loss of Pizza Man, others worried for those displaced from their apartments and still others discussed the tragedy of losing an iconic Milwaukee building.
The debate raged as readers leveraged opinions on which was indeed the biggest story of them all. But as some began to refer to the two-story building as a Milwaukee icon, I started wondering which of our architectural gems are worthy of the iconic status.
City Hall, North Point Water Tower, the Pritzlaff Hardware Building and Teweles Seed Building all hold historic weight. Villa Terrace, Pabst Mansion and The Pfister Hotel have housed some of the most famous and prominent Milwaukeeans and visitors. The Grain Exchange, Frank Lloyd Wright's Bogk House, the Astor Hotel, Wisconsin Club and Pabst Theater all deserve sound consideration.
Certainly, the U.S. Bank tower dominates our skyline, but having been built in 1973, it’s far from historic. Likewise, the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Brise Soleil is known around the world but does its young age take it out of the iconic running?
What’s your pick? Use the Talkback feature below to make your suggestion.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
