ONLINE - The Mansions of Milwaukee's Grand Avenue
Chicago had Prairie Avenue, its “sunny street that held the sifted few.” In Milwaukee, the street of millionaires was Grand Avenue (now known as Wisconsin Avenue). The history of the two streets was remarkably similar - in the late 19th century, they were THE streets to live on, but by the early 20th century, their proximity to growing downtown districts significantly changed the character of the neighborhoods, and ultimately led to the demolition of most of the imposing structures.
This program will showcase the elaborate mansions constructed on Grand Avenue, including those built for the Mitchell, Plankinton, and Pabst families. It will place those houses and families within the context of Milwaukee’s growth and prominence in the late 19th century, and will discuss the razing of the residences for apartment houses, commercial structures, and institutional expansions.