Cambridge Apartments is a senior housing tower on Milwaukee’s Lower East Side. The 104-unit building is tax-exempt.
The building was formerly known as the Zonta Manor, developed by Zonta International. It opened in 1965. In December of 1967, it was acquired by the American Baptist Association. Re-opening in February of 1968 as Cambridge Apartments, developed by American Baptist Management Corp. In 1968, rents were advertised as starting at $103 month.
When the building opened in 1965 it was targeted at older people not eligible for public housing. The building was built with a $1.3 million loan from the federal government. In addition, according to a report in the Milwaukee Sentinel, $50,000 was raised by Zonta, and an additional $5,400 was pledged. The site was purchased for $52,500.
During the period the building was built, the Zonta International Milwaukee chapter was led by Layton School of Art (predecessor to MIAD) founder Charlotte Partride.
According to an article in the Milwaukee Sentinel, a five person committee was formed to advise on the project.
“The committee consists of Karl Meier of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.; Circuit Judge Robert W. Hansen, Mrs. Richard Cutler, 230 E. MacArthur Rd., Fox Point; Curtis Gallenbeck of Inland Steel Products Co. and Weber Smith, Jr., First Wisconsin National Bank.”
A house was razed to make space for the building.
Following completion the building was subject a court case regarding its tax exempt status. Following its acquisition by the American Baptist Churches, the church gave a donation to the city every year for a period of time.
Learn More
- “Churches Close Ranks to Retain Tax Exemptions” – Milwaukee Sentinel – November 1st, 1975
- “Tax Free Unit Gives City $10,000” – Milwaukee Sentinel – October 4th, 1975
- “Founder of Layton Art School Dies” – Milwaukee Journal – February 26th, 1975
- “Jaunts with Jamie: Eagle’s Aerie Above River” – Milwaukee Sentinel – November 19th, 1973
- Advertisement – Milwaukee Journal – August 11th, 1968
- Advertisement – Milwaukee Sentinel – July 20th, 1968
- Advertisement – Milwaukee Sentinel – July 13th, 1968
- “3rd Housing Project Here By Baptists” – Milwaukee Sentinel – June 29th, 1968
- “Zonta Manor Taken Over by Baptists” – Milwaukee Journal – December 31st, 1967
- “Tax on Homes for Aged Approved by Circuit Courts” – Milwaukee Sentinel – September 4th, 1967
- “2 Homes for Elderly Denied Tax Refunds” – Milwaukee Journal – August 31st, 1967
- Construction Photo – Milwaukee Journal – October 16th, 1964
- “$1.3 Million Mortgage Filed by Zonta Club” – Milwaukee Sentinel – February 14th, 1964
- “Zonta Home for the Aged is Advanced” – Milwaukee Journal – February 12th, 1964
- “Five to Aid Zonta Club” – Milwaukee Sentinel – September 27th, 1963
- “Buildings Reflect Women’s Work, Wishes” – Milwaukee Journal – June 11th, 1963
- “Housing for Aged Loan OK’d” – Milwaukee Sentinel – January 24th, 1963
Photos
Building data on this page, including assessment information, was last updated on April 5, 2024
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