We Want to Save the Warner
A non-profit trust hopes to restore a classic downtown theater as a concert hall.
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A non-profit trust hopes to restore a classic downtown theater as a concert hall. Back to the full article.
Photos - Page 5
Categories: Real Estate
Spent a lot of time at The Warner/Centre/Grand while managing theaters 17 years for the Marcus Corp. I would love to see it open and restored.
From the photos alone, I’m willing to toss in a few dollars. May not be much, but it’s true: we just simply do not build grand spaces like this much any more. The place looks like it could be beautiful. My preferred venue for music and other acts is are the Pabst and Riverside, and adding another option would be fantastic.
Maybe someday the folks that run the Rave will realize what they did to that place, and restore it (not holding my breath).
Fascinating. Would love to see this happen. It’s true, theaters like this simply aren’t built anymore. Why not save an old gem and breath new life into Wisconsin Ave.
8 story parking structure? Rather see that lot developed into something else. There seems to be many many structures already south of Kilbourne and north of Michigan…..yay…more convinient parking so people don’t have to walk past potential future businesses.
@Casey, Yeah I’m not soo hot on that part of the plan either.
The main focus of that space would be the annex–the first two stories of the structure. It would be used as rehearsal space, a scene-building shop, and other things. As for the parking–the fact of the matter is that people from SE Wisconsin will not come downtown unless they can park…they hope for free. I don’t like it either, but it may be necessary to make this work.
My hometown, Cleveland, OH., is a similarly small city and they saved five theaters from the twenties from the wrecking ball. Two of those theaters were in exceedingly bad condition. They are all open and thriving financially now under the name of Playhouse Square. Buildings of this type simply cannot be replaced. We no longer have the artisans capable of doing it regardless of cost. When such art is demolished, it is gone forever. I only ask that those in charge TRULY consider the results of their actions.
It’s high time people from SE Wisconsin learn how to walk a couple blocks. Ridiculous to think that there’s multiple parking structures within blocks that could be utilized to serve the space, yet there’s plans for a multi-story dedicated parking structure. It’s a waste of money, space, and resources.
This “park for free” mentality has to change. It’s keeps good projects from moving forward while killing walkability and street life. It’s also far from “free” for anyone.
Kahler Slater + Mayor Barrett + 8 story parking lot = FAILURE !!
Find a new architect, don’t listen to Barrett’s ideas, and realize that there is plenty of parking already down there. One structure across the street on 2nd, three structures between 3rd and 4th and let us not forget that GRAND AVENUE MALL HAS PARKING STRUCTURES !!! Using those parking spots sure the HECK WOULD HELP OUT A DYING MALL.
Unbelievable.
The property on 2nd and Wells should be developed for residential use. Hopefully Kahler Slater won’t design another gawd awful looking building.
I sure am glad the majority of readers agree that there is far too much subsidized parking downtown which is hurting it but does the mayor and alderman (bauman?) know who the people feel? No one likes walking across the parking lots and the blind driveways. If there NEEDs to be a structure there should at least be retail/offices on the first floors.
it is incredibly beautiful and should be sued, now figure out how to do that. there is beautiful theater in West Allis I have looked at for years and tried to figure out how to use it.
We should prsevere some of our history like europe.
…and let’s not forget that this building isn’t in THAT bad of shape. Yes, it certainly has deteriorated from neglect and lack of daily maintenance, but I hope that it doesn’t fall prey to the Sydney HIH argument of “Why save this?”
If we continue eradicating these cultural and historical landmarks, we show disregard for not only our city’s heritage but the future as well. I don’t want to tell my kids or grandkids, “Oh, a historic building was there… but that parking lot sure was needed to make our lives easier.” Hindsight almost always prompts us to ask why the decision was made to raze a structure. I only wish we could enter the Pabst building on Water, go to a concert at the Unicorn, enjoy a beer in the remodeled Gipfel Union Brewery… and see a show at the Warner.
Also, wouldn’t it be nice if the affluent Marcus Corporation took an active role in rehabilitating the facility? What are they gaining by having it sit empty?
@Casey, I completely agree. I work on 2nd and wells and see nothing but parking structures. Another just seems pretty unnecessary.
Came to Milwaukee 5 years ago from Nevada. I had someone at the door park my vehicle for me for a buck. I come here and have to pay $20 to $30 to go to anything downtown. That’s the cost of a plate at a decent restaurant. now, do I want to support local, vibrant businesses or the folks gouging me to park? I consider that a no-brainer. Granted, the excuse I’ve heard is “you should see what it’s like in Chicago”. Yeah, well, this ain’t Chicago, it’s Milwaukee. And Milwaukee has a good reputation in spite of its proximity to The Windy City.
I am a retired electrician and would love to volunteer my services as long as the ownership of the theatre is a non profit corporation. The theatre is beautiful inside. Current owners cannot take care of the building and never will be able to. I incourage them to “let it go” to people who have the passion necessary to do all the work necessary for the preservation.