Ward Memorial Theater was designed by Henry C. Koch and constructed in 1881. It was originally constructed as a two-story multi-purpose building that included a hall, restaurant, and train passenger waiting room. The Hall was also used as a worship space until the construction of a freestanding chapel. In 1897, the building was remodeled for use solely as a theater and hosted many appearances by lecturers, vaudeville troupes, and musicians. Performers appearing elsewhere in Milwaukee often gave free shows at the Theater for veterans’ benefit. As the motion picture industry developed, the theater acquired equipment to show movies.
Today, Ward Memorial Theater has experienced significant roof and water infiltration damage, leaving portions exposed to the elements. In November 2011, one of the theater’s most notable features, a stained glass window depicting a life-sized figure of General Ulysses S. Grant mounted on a bay horse, was removed from the theater for safekeeping until repairs are complete.
Part of Soldiers Home complex of buildings
Photos
Content referencing Ward Memorial Hall
State Funds 10 Milwaukee Real Estate Projects
From cargo to veterans, Meta House to Milwaukee Rep, new program boosts local efforts.
Oct 9th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
See Inside 3 Buildings For Civil War Veterans That Will Be Saved
Chapel, theater and mansion will provide supportive services for veterans.
May 23rd, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
$25 Million Plan To Save Three Endangered Soldiers Home Buildings
Alexander Company aims to rehabilitate historic theater, chapel and mansion for veterans.
Feb 15th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
VA Demolishing Soldiers Home Power Plant
Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.
Jul 10th, 2022 by Jeramey Jannene
Soldiers Home Redevelopment Wins National Preservation Award
Project targeted at housing for homeless veterans wins award in advance of Veterans Day.
Nov 5th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Share Your Vision for The Future of Soldiers Home
February 12th deadline to offer feedback.
Feb 11th, 2021 by Jeramey Jannene
Study Underway To Save More of Soldiers Home
Milwaukee Preservation Alliance wins grant to study viability of saving three more buildings.
Dec 25th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Historic Building to Become Boutique Hotel
Plus: Soldiers Home redevelopment on pause, coworking company buys building on streetcar route
May 13th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Inside the Historic Soldiers Home Theater
See three buildings, from 1860s and 1880s, VA hopes to have redeveloped.
Dec 17th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
A City of Theaters
Since the 19th century’s German language playhouses, the city has built and renovated countless facilities for theater.
Apr 19th, 2015 by Christopher Hillard
MPA Launches Fundraising Campaign To Add I-94, Hank Aaron State Trail Signage for Milwaukee Soldiers Home
National Trust offers $5,000 matching grant for public donations through the end of 2013
Dec 18th, 2013 by Milwaukee Preservation Alliance
The Growing City
Updates on three new developments. Plus: a photographic tour of the Ward hall.
Oct 2nd, 2013 by Dave Reid
Soldiers Home Becomes National Historic Landmark
The National Park Service honors the Soldiers Home complex, whose classic buildings are the oldest in the nation still standing from Civil War days.
Apr 29th, 2013 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee VAMC Commences Repairs on Historic “Soldiers Home” Building
Today, the grand structure continues to dominate the landscape, but is in dire need of repair.
Sep 20th, 2012 by Milwaukee Preservation Alliance
