PRESERVING MILWAUKEE ICONS
Through advocacy, education, and hands-on support, MPA empowers residents and decision-makers to recognize the value of Milwaukee's built heritage. By preserving the city's unique architectural character, we not only honor our history but also create a stronger, more vibrant future for all. Learn more about five of these iconic structures below!
THE AVALON THEATER
2473 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue
One of MPA’s earliest advocacy wins, the Avalon Theater (built in 1929) was a multi-million dollar project that resulted in the full restoration of a stunning, independent gem of a theater reminiscent of the silver-screened days long past. It is located in the heart of Milwaukee’s Bay View Neighborhood.
MILWAUKEE SOLDIERS HOME
515 S General Mitchell Blvd
In response to a roof collapse at the rear wing of Old Main in February 2010, The Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (MPA), in partnership with key local, regional and national stakeholders, spearheaded a renewed effort to protect, repair and rehabilitate the Milwaukee VA Soldiers Home District. The grounds are now home to over 100 Veterans, and work continues to return the rest of the campus to service.
Catherine foley tavern
266 E Erie Street
From a widow’s saloon to a brewery stronghold, a historic fire, an LGBTQ+ bar, and a student union—this 140-year-old building has seen and survived it all. The building was donated to the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance in 2024. and we are currently working to preserve its rich history, with plans to transform it into a leasable space and our future home, fully restoring the once-flourishing tavern.
CENTRAL CITY PLAZA
600 W Walnut Street
“Designed in 1973 by Alonzo Robinson Jr.—Wisconsin’s first registered Black architect—the Plaza was the first shopping center in the state that was Black-owned, Black-operated, and Black-designed. . When demolition was proposed in early 2025, Docomomo US/Wisconsin, Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, and other local advocates, including Robinson's son, Kim Robinson, mobilized quickly. Through community gatherings, media outreach, public testimony, and formal designation efforts, they reframed the conversation from a routine development proposal to a recognition of cultural memory and preservation. In a surprisingly quick turn-around, the City Council designated the plaza, and the property owners, Salvation Army, made a new commitment to pause demolition and pursue adaptive reuse in partnership with advocates.” -DocomomoUS
MITCHELL PARK DOMES
524 S Layton Boulevard
Save Our Domes is a joint-effort campaign of the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance and National Trust for Historic Preservation fighting for a long-term preservation solution for the Mitchell Park Domes.
In 2024, the Friends of the Domes took the vision from the Task Force, and developed a comprehensive action plan to move the project forward. We are thrilled to support the Friends of the Domes vision for the future - “The Domes: Reimagined”
