Recently, the Milwaukee Public Library unveiled the completed renovation of the Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., and the shiny new building reminds us once again of its status as one of the grandest examples of Classical Revival in Milwaukee.
Built between 1893-'97, the building was designed by Ferry & Clas, after a national competition, and is constructed of limestone hewn in Bedford, Indiana. The loggia and elaborate rotunda draw on Italian Renaissance structures, there is a wonderful mosaic floor and Corinthian columns throughout. The building was expanded three times during the 20th century.
Be sure to visit your Central Library and don't miss any opportunity to visit the lovely Centennial Hall, 733 N. 8th St.
In the meantime, join us as we take a closer look...
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
