December 16, 2008

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends,

As the City Hall restoration project comes to a close, I would like to inform everyone of the ongoing and upcoming events surrounding the occasion.

A self-guided exhibition detailing the building's history and restoration process is currently open to the public on the first and third floors of City Hall.  The exhibition features displays, including actual building materials and ornamentation that was repaired or replaced during the restoration process.  It will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays through January 16, 2009.

The completion of work will be celebrated with a free, public event at City Hall on Thursday, December 18, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  I will join members of the Common Council in a re-dedication ceremony at 6:15 p.m. ( at Wells and Water).  The rest of the evening will feature live music, refreshments and guided tours.  I'm grateful for the support of our project partner J.P. Cullen for sponsoring the celebration.

To commemorate the occasion, posters featuring close-up photographs of City Hall's ornate architecture and information about the building will be on sale Thursday, December 18 beginning at 10 a.m. on the first floor of City Hall.  The posters cost $10, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.

Designated as a National Historic Landmark, City Hall is truly a national treasure in our own backyard.  It was designed by architect H.C. Koch in 1892 and constructed from 1894-1896 by Paul Reisen Corporation for $945,000.  It is the only American city hall to be constructed in the German Renaissance Revival Style and has been an iconic part of Milwaukee's skyline for more than a century with its 393-foot clock tower.

I encourage everyone to partake in the restoration festivities and hope to see you Thursday.
 

Mayor, City of Milwaukee 

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor