Cream of the Cream City Awards
The Cream of the Cream City Awards, sponsored by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission and the Common Council, recognize individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the field of historic preservation and heritage education/advocacy in the City of Milwaukee. The awards recognize projects large and small which have preserved the rich history of Milwaukee found in its varied architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries. The recipients of these awards have added value to their neighborhoods and Milwaukee by preserving the unique design and character of historically designated properties.
2026 Cream of the Cream City Award Winners |
On May 4th, the City of Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission selected award recipients for the 2026 Cream of the Cream City Awards. Award recipients were honored at the Cream of the Cream City Awards ceremony on May 21st, at Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, 917 W. Juneau Ave., at 5:30pm. The winners are listed below.
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
509 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Category: Commercial Rehabilitation
SNSHN - Theo Lery Duplexes
2902-04 W State and 1017-19 N 29th.
Category: Residential Property (1-4 Family)
Prairie Springs on Park (Urban Ecology Center)
1420 E. Park Pl.
Category: Preservation Advocacy
Church of the Gesu
1145 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Category: Religious Property
Allen Building
1942-1944 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Category: Sensitive Infill
Previous Cream of the Cream City award winners:
2025
2024
2017
2014
2011-2013
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
1993 - 2000
Other Local Building Awards
This award is presented to multiple projects each year in an ongoing effort to recognize design excellence throughout the city of Milwaukee. Recipients have added value to their neighborhoods by restoring, constructing or enhancing their properties in a way that respects the urban fabric and contributes to the character of their surroundings.