Committee recommends renaming of Milwaukee Fire Department Headquarters

Today, January 27, 2021, legislation which would officially rename the Milwaukee Fire Department Headquarters after Wisconsin’s first African American architect was unanimously recommended for approval by the Public Works Committee. Architect Alonzo Robinson accomplished many feats in the field of architecture, including being the designer and architect of the MFD Headquarters located 711 W. Wells St. (the building being recommended to be renamed after him). AldermanCavalier Johnson is the lead sponsor for the renaming and has voiced support to honor Mr. Robinson’s legacy and accomplishments in this way.

As the first African American registered architect in Milwaukee and Wisconsin, Mr. Robinson is a true inspiration and trailblazer in his field as he overcame adversity to open doors for future architects and engineers of color in the city and state. Mr. Robinson designed many buildings in downtown Milwaukee including central-city churches, the former YMCA (now a Marquette University facility) at N. 10^th and W. Wisconsin Ave., the Doyne Park shelter house, and a new sixth-floor courtroom in the Milwaukee County Courthouse. “As the first African American registered architect in the city and state, Mr. Robinson exemplified hard work and dedication, and he is extremely deserving of this honor,” Alderman Johnson said.

The renaming legislation was co-sponsored by Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderman Mark A. Borkowski.

The move to rename the headquarters will go before the full Common Council at 9 a.m. on February 9, 2021 and that meeting can be viewed in Milwaukee on Spectrum Cable and AT&T U-Verse, or via streaming at City of Milwaukee – Calendar (legistar.com) or www.city.milwaukee.gov/channel25 .

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.