Building Info

Milwaukee City Hall. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.
  • Address:
    200 E. Wells St.
  • Taxkey:
    3921261000
  • Architect:
    Henry C. Koch
  • Architectural Style:
    Flemish Renaissance Revival
  • Status:
  • Assessment:
    Tax-Exempt
  • Year Built:

From Guides to Historic Milwaukee: Juneautown Walking Tour by Mary Ellen Pagel and Virginia Palmer (1965)…

The first City Hall on this site, the Market Hall of 1861, contained civic offices on the second floor and a busy farmers’ market in stalls on the ground story. Chief designer of the present building was Armand Koch, son of the well-known Milwaukee architect, Henry C. Koch. When he undertook the design of City Hall, the younger Koch had just returned from study in Europe, where he had particularly admired the civic buildings of Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. His plans for Milwaukee’s governmental building reflect the influence of these European examples. High above the street in the City Hall tower is a ten-ton bell which has not sounded since 1922, when complaints about its noise became too numerous. When the bell was cast, the following words were inscribed on it:
“When I sound the hour of day
From this grand and lofty steeple,
Deem it a reminder, pray
To be honest with the people.”

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Ald. Bauman urges state to allocate more transportation funding to local projects
Press Release

Ald. Bauman urges state to allocate more transportation funding to local projects

News release from Alderman Robert Bauman

After lifting of cab cap, city will begin accepting applications for new taxi permits
Press Release

After lifting of cab cap, city will begin accepting applications for new taxi permits

For the first time in decades, applicants for a public passenger vehicle permit to operate a taxi in Milwaukee will be able to apply without regard for a cap on the number of permits issued, and receive provisional permission to begin operating the day of their application. On a unanimous vote, the Milwaukee Common Council passed legislation last month that did away with the cab cap and created a more streamlined application process, allowing drivers to sign an affidavit affirming their record is clean and receive a provisional permit immediately upon their application. The legislation will allow network companies like Uber and Lyft to operate legally, and Alderman Robert Bauman, who as chair of the Public Transportation Review Board helped author the legislation, said it creates a level playing field for all drivers while ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. Alderman Bauman and City Clerk Jim Owczarski, whose office oversees the License Division, will kick off the application process with a news conference Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. Alderman Bauman said the first 10 applicants will receive a commemorative gift. Applicants are asked to visit milwaukee.gov/license and prepare their application materials ahead of time. What: News conference – First new taxi permit applications accepted When: 8:15 a.m. – Tuesday, September 2, 2014 Where: License Division, City Hall rotunda – 200 E. Wells St.

Kenneth Germanson to receive 2014 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award
Press Release

Kenneth Germanson to receive 2014 Frank P. Zeidler Public Service Award

News release from Alderman Robert J. Bauman

House Confidential: The Controversial Home of Mary Nohl
House Confidential

The Controversial Home of Mary Nohl

The 1925 bungalow and its trove of art is a place unlike any in the metro area and worth a visit -- before it gets torn down.

Plenty of Horne: New York Discovers Our Sinking City
Plenty of Horne

New York Discovers Our Sinking City

City Hall, Milwaukee Rep and Mitchell buildings are sinking. Is Deep Tunnel the culprit? The Times is not sure.

Committee, police department to discuss 9-1-1 automated messages
Press Release

Committee, police department to discuss 9-1-1 automated messages

Representatives from the Milwaukee Police Department will address questions about how emergency calls are handled tomorrow (June 12) during the meeting of the Common Council’s Public Safety Committee.

Walk a Mile in the Mayor’s Shoes

Walk a Mile in the Mayor’s Shoes

Barrett wants residents to join him in walking 100 miles in 100 days.

Yesterday’s Milwaukee: Postcard of Milwaukee, 1900
Yesterday’s Milwaukee

Postcard of Milwaukee, 1900

One of the earliest postcards done of the city shows Downtown along the river.

Proposal would abolish taxi cab cap, allow mobile “rideshare” services
Press Release

Proposal would abolish taxi cab cap, allow mobile “rideshare” services

The new legislation will be introduced at the meeting of the Public Transportation Review Board that is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. tomorrow, May 9, in room 301-B of City Hall.

Cesar Chavez city worker holiday proposal to be heard by Finance and Personnel Committee
Press Release

Cesar Chavez city worker holiday proposal to be heard by Finance and Personnel Committee

City employees would have the option of taking off on March 31 annually as a holiday observing the birthday of American labor and civil rights champion Cesar E. Chavez.

Greater Milwaukee community brings home another win for basic needs
Press Release

Greater Milwaukee community brings home another win for basic needs

Match Day 2014 raises more than $3 million for food and shelter agencies

Yesterday’s Milwaukee: Saengerfest and City Hall, 1868
Yesterday’s Milwaukee

Saengerfest and City Hall, 1868

The earlier City Hall was a converted market hall, here decorated for an annual German music festival.

“Sisters of Freedom” Display Showcased at the Milwaukee County Courthouse
Press Release

“Sisters of Freedom” Display Showcased at the Milwaukee County Courthouse

A unique art display honoring African American women from the 1800’s to present day will be on display on the third floor of the Milwaukee County Courthouse through the end of the month. "Sisters of Freedom", African American Women Moving Us Forward, is on loan from Mount Mary University.

Committee to review effects of administrative driver’s license suspensions
Press Release

Committee to review effects of administrative driver’s license suspensions

The significant impact administrative driver’s license suspensions will be discussed tomorrow (Thursday, January 30) during the meeting of the Common Council’s Public Safety Committee.

Alderman Donovan to honor transit worker fired after helping woman
Press Release

Alderman Donovan to honor transit worker fired after helping woman

Alderman Donovan to honor transit worker fired after helping woman

Photo Gallery: Entrants & Winners for Wisconsin Avenue Placemaking
Photo Gallery

Entrants & Winners for Wisconsin Avenue Placemaking

The "Tournavation" event at City Hall included an expert panel and audience, which selected two winners from among 12 finalists.

NEWaukeean of the Week: Mo Foy
NEWaukeean of the Week

Mo Foy

"The more time I spend in Walker’s Point, the more I realize how many interesting people live and work in the city."

Doors Open: City Hall Bell Tower Tour
Doors Open

City Hall Bell Tower Tour

70 photos capture the secrets of City Hall and views from the tower which countless people enjoyed at Doors Open.

Goodbye to Historic Milwaukee

Goodbye to Historic Milwaukee

Opgenorth leaves HMI for job with Mandel, but still hopes to help build support for historic buildings.

Newaukeean of the Week: Joshua Janis
Newaukeean of the Week

Joshua Janis

"We are not just a Beer, Brat and Cheese state."

Plenty of Horne: Mayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse”
Plenty of Horne

Mayor Says Streetcar is “Trojan Horse”

Streetcar will be first leg of what he hopes will be a more extensive rail system.

Young Professionals Discuss Sustainable Milwaukee

Young Professionals Discuss Sustainable Milwaukee

Second annual Young Professional Week features a panel discussion at City Hall on April 15th moderated by Urban Milwaukee.

Photo Gallery: Politics & Poetry II
Photo Gallery

Politics & Poetry II

Aldermen join seasoned poets to tout today's election and celebrate the memory of poet Anita Brooks.

Girls’ Day at City Hall showcases public service careers for young women
Press Release

Girls’ Day at City Hall showcases public service careers for young women

The palette of speakers and role models for young women interested in public service continues to expand in the third annual Girls’ Day at City Hall, hosted TOMORROW, March 20, 2013 by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs.

Facing the Foreclosure Crisis

Facing the Foreclosure Crisis

A packed crowd at City Hall listened to experts discuss the problem of foreclosed homes and possible solutions.

Council President Hines & Ald. Witkowski to announce process changes for FPC confirmations
Indonesian Consul General set for City Hall visit, welcome
Press Release

Indonesian Consul General set for City Hall visit, welcome

Indonesian Consul General Andriana Supandy will visit City Hall this week to promote good relations and cooperative opportunities with Milwaukee, according to Alderman Joe Davis, Sr., chair of the Common Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee.

Common Council to recognize state champion Saint Anthony soccer team
Press Release

Common Council to recognize state champion Saint Anthony soccer team

In just its third season since organizing, the fledgling Milwaukee Saint Anthony Roman Legion soccer program fought its way to a 27-3 record in its 2012 championship push.

NAACP’s One MKE town hall encourages civic engagement
Press Release

NAACP’s One MKE town hall encourages civic engagement

The One MKE Summit begins at 9:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day with workshops starting at 11:30 a.m. and dealing with a variety of issues.

Hands off Kwanzaa
Press Release

Hands off Kwanzaa

Wisconsinites this week were once again subjected to the misinformed statements of a state senator who used a press release to attack the African American tradition of the celebration of Kwanzaa.

Alderwoman Coggs invites residents to Kwanzaa celebration tomorrow
Press Release

Alderwoman Coggs invites residents to Kwanzaa celebration tomorrow

Milwaukee Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs invites residents to a Kwanzaa celebration tomorrow, December 28 at 12:00 p.m. in the City Hall rotunda.

Mayor Barrett, City Employees and the Famous Racing Sausages to Pack Holiday Care Packages for Troops Overseas
Press Release

Mayor Barrett, City Employees and the Famous Racing Sausages to Pack Holiday Care Packages for Troops Overseas

The 6th Annual City of Milwaukee Holiday Care Package Drive benefitting Wisconsin’s 128th Air Control Squadron serving in Southwest Asia.

Mayor Barrett to Kick-Off 6th Annual Holiday Care
Press Release

Mayor Barrett to Kick-Off 6th Annual Holiday Care

6th Annual City of Milwaukee Holiday Care Package Drive benefiting the men and women serving in the 128th Air Control Squadron serving in Southwest Asia.

Home Contest is a Big Winner

Home Contest is a Big Winner

Most Improved Home Contest offers $7,000 in prize money, generates $164,000 in home improvements.

Alderman Donovan to recognize heroic efforts of police aide, citizens
Press Release

Alderman Donovan to recognize heroic efforts of police aide, citizens

Alderman Bob Donovan to present citations to citizens who helped pull victims from a wrecked vehicle following a hit-and-run crash

House Confidential: Brandon Jennings’ Very Moderne Digs
House Confidential

Brandon Jennings’ Very Moderne Digs

Bucks guard is on 25th floor of The Moderne, right by Bradley Center and a floor above Monta Ellis.

Milwaukee Youth Council to hold inauguration ceremony
Press Release

Milwaukee Youth Council to hold inauguration ceremony

The City of Milwaukee Youth Council will hold an inauguration ceremony for its 2012-2013 term.

Photo Gallery: Politics & Poetry
Photo Gallery

Politics & Poetry

Politicians and others try their hand at poetry in City Hall.

Mayor’s Committee to Host United Nations Anniversary Commeroration
Press Release

Mayor’s Committee to Host United Nations Anniversary Commeroration

The City of Milwaukee will be celebrating the ideals and impact of the United Nations on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 by hosting a presentation and reception in City Hall in honor of the 67th Anniversary of the United Nations Charter.

Best of Doors Open: Top Stop at Doors Open Milwaukee
Best of Doors Open

Top Stop at Doors Open Milwaukee

City Hall Bell Tower is a favorite destination during Doors Open Milwaukee.

Council members to discuss Williams case
Press Release

Council members to discuss Williams case

4:30 p.m. TODAY, Sept. 25, 2012

Mayor Barrett to Host Tournavation Pitch for Bloomberg’s Mayors Challenge Tonight at City Hall
Press Release

Mayor Barrett to Host Tournavation Pitch for Bloomberg’s Mayors Challenge Tonight at City Hall

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has entered Milwaukee into The Mayors Challenge---a competition organized by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s philanthropic foundation that challenges cities across America to find innovative solutions to problems, improve urban life and make city government work better.

Donovan’s New Anti-Streetcar Allies

Donovan’s New Anti-Streetcar Allies

After three press releases in three days, the alderman holds a news conference with new right-wing allies.

Alderman Donovan to announce new efforts in fight against streetcar
Press Release

Alderman Donovan to announce new efforts in fight against streetcar

Alderman Bob Donovan will hold a news conference at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, August 16) to announce new efforts in his bid to derail the proposed downtown streetcar project.

Public deserves updates on City Hall repair investigation
Press Release

Public deserves updates on City Hall repair investigation

While the chair of the Public Works Committee seems to be pre-occupied with doing all he can to keep alive possible options for preserving the crumbling Sydney Hih (an eyesore of a building), he is ignoring issues with our beloved National Historic Landmark – City Hall.

Mayor Barrett Encourages City Employees To Say “Not Me” To Diabetes
Press Release

Mayor Barrett Encourages City Employees To Say “Not Me” To Diabetes

The City of Milwaukee is among the first public sector employers in the state to offer employees the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, a 12-month lifestyle behavior intervention designed especially for people with prediabetes, the clinical precursor for type 2 diabetes. To screen its employees at the highest risk for diabetes, the City will host UnitedHealthcare’s 18-wheel mobile testing clinic at City Hall.

Envisioning the Seen: Milwaukee’s Future – Today, June 18th
Envisioning the Seen

Milwaukee’s Future – Today, June 18th

The Pabst Theater plays host to Envisioning the Seen: Milwaukee's Future tonight, June 18th. Ten Milwaukeeans and two moderators will hold an open-ended, fireside-style discussion, followed by an audience question and answer period.

Authentic Identity

Authentic Identity

Enhancing Milwaukee’s identity is an elusive endeavor. A city can both make and be given an identity. Some recent town center developments have tried to create identity with one massive all encompassing project.

Public Works Committee Holds Water Deal

Public Works Committee Holds Water Deal

Jeffrey Mantes the Commissioner of Public Works presented the progress of the City Hall Restoration Project. He pointed out that after two and a half years the project is meeting or exceeding the EBE, RPP and apprenticeship goals laid out for the project. Additionally he indicated that the project is targeted to be substantially complete by Thanksgiving 2008. Representatives from SEWRPC presented A Regional Broadband Telecommunications Plan which indicated SEWRPC’s belief that universal high speed broadband in necessary for continued growth within Southeast Wisconsin. SEWRPC set a goal of developing 20 megabit universal access throughout the region and discussed a wireless demonstration project that Kenosha is currently testing. The well presented need and existence of the demonstration project prompted Alderman Robert Bauman to ask the SEWRPC representatives to “march right down to the mayor’s office and set up an appointment”. Two resolutions regarding water sales to neighboring communities pointed out what regional cooperation does and doesn’t look like. First up was resolution 071313 which would of renewed a contract between the City of Milwaukee and the Village of Menomonee Falls for the purchase of water. During the discussion of this contract renewal it was pointed out by Alderman Robert Bauman that an amendment allowing the Village of Menomonee Falls to remove a legal constraint on selling water to neighboring communities without the City of Milwaukee Water Works approval was “giving a benefit for no consideration”. Despite contract terms limiting the amount of water the Village of Menomonee Falls can acquire from the City of Milwaukee Water Works, this amendment would of been a first step in opening the door for the Village of Menomonee Falls to begin selling water to communities outside of the basin. The committee held this resolution as it appeared that this small change in the contract had the potential impact of encouraging sprawl and further decentralizing the region. The second resolution, 071314, was a request by the Village of Elm Grove for the City of Milwaukee Water Works to explore the possibility of selling water to the Village of Elm Grove. Neil Palmer the Village of Elm Grove President suggested they would purchase water at wholesale or even at retail prices. Further he made it clear he would support the City of Milwaukee in a variety regional issue including improved mass transit within the region. This resolution was enthusiastically approved by the committee and will move on to the full Common Council for approval.

City Hall Is Worth Every Penny

City Hall Is Worth Every Penny

City Hall Originally uploaded by compujeramey Mike Nichols has an article in the Journal Sentinel lambasting politicians for their failings in properly estimating the cost of projects. Nichols gives me the feeling that he’s upset at Mayor Barrett for the expense of the City Hall and the coming need for a lift of the building (covered earlier on this site). Nichols acts as if City Hall is some giant sink hole that we as Milwaukeeans throw all our money into for no return and that is not an asset to Milwaukee anymore. He imposes upon me that his feeling is that we should have spent millions years ago to remove the wood pilings underneath and replace them with something else. As if the pilings that have lasted more than 100 years were a bad idea from the start, and that people should have known better. That politicians are continually draining Milwaukee of money to fix this building that’s fundamentally flawed. To paraphrase a recent Barrett quote I saw in the Shepherd Express ” it’s not like we’re putting hot tubs in”. Barrett is simply spending the money it takes to keep one of Milwaukee’s greatest landmarks operating and available for future generations. Nichols apparently disagrees with that idea.. It’s also a place some were already calling outmoded back in 1954, one that is now dwarfed by surrounding buildings and will continue to suck up money that could have been used on something new and inspiring.There’s at least the possibility that if taxpayers knew a few years ago what they were about to spend, they would have considered another, fully accessible, internationally admired Calatrava instead. We’ll never know because taxpayers have already made the leap that is now about to carry them all the way into the pilings under the basement. Only, I wouldn’t really call it a leap. It looks more like, without any real discussion at all, they were given a firm, silent, chicken-hearted push. If he’s so upset about City Hall and the money being spent, why doesn’t someone run for Mayor that is for a new City Hall? The simple reason is that a new City Hall would have the same cost overruns without the old world charm and history of the current building. The investment in City Hall is one that will preserve one of Milwaukee’s greatest landmarks. You can’t build 100+ year old buildings whenever you want. The building has stood the test of time and helps give downtown Milwaukee a distinct look and feel that is welcoming to visitors and respected by residents. City Hall doesn’t feature the glass casing like many new urban buildings or the massive parking garage that accompanies many of the large buildings in downtown Milwaukee. The building instead is a tribute to what Milwaukee has grown from, while pointing to the sky to demonstrate where Milwaukee is going to. As each new building rises around City Hall, the value of the distinct look of the building increases. It is […]

City Hall is Sinking

City Hall is Sinking

City Hall Originally uploaded by compujeramey Bad news, while Milwaukee City Hall will certainly look good on the outside in due time, it’s going to be a little bit shorter because the building is sinking. In the past 20 years it’s dropped about one and a half inches, so it’s nothing drastic, but still something that will have to be addressed long-term. The 112-year-old building sits on 25,000 wooden pilings that stretch 27 feet downward into what used to be a swamp. The pilings are under water, which sounds bad but is actually how they’re preserved. Trouble started when some of the pilings dried out. Don’t try this with your basement, but the solution has been to pump more water under the building. Fixing it apparently would cost about $15 million, which is something whoever is in office will let slide as long as they can to avoid having the expense from repairing the building’s facade and leveling the building out lumped into one sum that is labeled as $100 million fleecing of Milwaukee taxpayers.

The Roundup: Marsupial Bridge Update
The Roundup

Marsupial Bridge Update

The concrete walkway of the Holton Marsupial Bridge will be poured beginning today.

The Roundup: City Hall Redo
The Roundup

City Hall Redo

Minority hiring goal set.

The Roundup: Voting With The Mayor
The Roundup

Voting With The Mayor

Mayor Barrett’s office announced Monday that he would vote at City Hall at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

The Roundup: Dem Challenge for Panzer Seat
The Roundup

Dem Challenge for Panzer Seat

The disarray of the Republican 20th Senate District has convinced the Democratic Party to field a write-in candidate for primary.

The Roundup: No Challenge to Hill Papers
The Roundup

No Challenge to Hill Papers

But Halbrooks says Election Commission’s Extended Hours Helped Opponent

Building data on this page, including assessment information, was last updated on April 5, 2024

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