AIA Milwaukee is the largest chapter of AIA Wisconsin, representing over 700 architects and emerging professionals in southeastern Wisconsin.
Spanning four Lake Michigan counties (Ozaukee, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha) and three inland counties (Washington, Waukesha and Walworth) AIA Milwaukee serves nearly 700 members in the most densely populated corner of Wisconsin. With a population of two million, this urban region is anchored by Milwaukee, a relatively compact city of 590,000, where many of the architecture firms are located.The 20 largest firms in the region are home to more than two-thirds of our members, while a sizable contingent practices in the dozens of one to five person offices throughout the seven counties. We are committed to serving our members in firms large and small, and together we are committed to serving communities of all sizes. Our two pronged approach of serving members and serving communities is evident in our programs, and is raising the profile of architects as advocates for livable places.
DIVERSE & VIBRANT //
Milwaukee located in the Southeast corner of Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a gem of mid-size cities. The Milwaukee region is home to the original Miller Brewing Company (merged in 2008 to form MillerCoors), Harley Davidson, Johnson Controls, Manpower International, Northwest Mutual, SC Johnson Wax as well as several other major companies and organizations.
With a city population of 602,000 (metro population of 2 million) Milwaukee is the 22nd largest city in the United States. In 2006, Milwaukee was named one of 12 distinct destinations to visit by the National Trust of Historic Preservation. Not to mention Milwaukee is home to a number of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural icons and Santiago Calatrava's first built building in the United States: the world renowned addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Milwaukee is a very diverse and vibrant city. Which is celebrated with our many festivals, including the World’s largest music festival “Summerfest” and several ethnic festivals through out the year.
MORE CITY FACTS >> www.choosemilwaukee.com
RICH IN HISTORY //
The region is rich in historical and architectural heritage full of many revitalized historic neighborhoods from the Historic Third Ward, Old World Third Street, Brady Street, and Walkers Point. One of Milwaukee's most iconic buildings, the City Hall, is currently under going a major restoration by Milwaukee architect, Engberg Anderson. Milwaukee prides itself on keeping many of its historic beauties and restoring them to their original aesthetic. The school of Architecture and Urban planning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is also investing in the city with purchasing and restoring Frank Lloyd Wright designs around the city.
MORE HISTORY >> www.themakingofmilwaukee.com/history/index.cfm
URBAN RENEWAL //
Today the region is experiencing a renewal with modern architectural icons such as the Milwaukee Art Museum, originally designed by Eero Saarinen with the addition being designed by Santiago Calatrava. The Milwaukee Art Museum addition is Calatrava's first built building in the United States and has the brise soleil, or wings that open and close daily. Recently architect Antoine Predock added his touch to the Southeast Wisconsin landscape with his design for the Indian Community School. In Racine, 20 minutes south of Milwaukee, Norman Foster is currently working on an addition to Frank Lloyd Wright's design for the Johnson Wax Complex.
MILWAUKEE'S ARCHITECTS //
Signs of growth and renewal are evident in the entire region with the recent opening of the Kenosha Civil War Museum right next to the Kenosha Public Museum both by Engberg Anderson. Many large-scale commercial, residential and medical projects are also taking place all over the region including the just opened, Froedtert Cancer Center. This is a very exciting time for Milwaukee. Much more development is happening around Southeast Wisconsin, make sure you check back for monthly updates.
Local and regional architects are also making an impact on the region with modern designs both large and small, including designs by up and coming architects Johnsen and Schmaling. Eppstein Uhen just completed a very modern addition to the Milwaukee Intermodal Station (formerly the Amtrak Station) in downtown Milwaukee and also worked with NBBJ and HKS on the world's first retractable fan shaped roof at Miller Park Stadium.
Another local firm, HGA, recently saw their design for the new lakefront museum and aquarium, Pier Wisconsin, open. They are also just finished working with New York Architect, Pentagram, on the Harley Davidson Museum which just opened in the Menomonee Valley right by downtown Milwaukee. Another sign of investment in the city is the residential construction occurring in and near downtown; included in this are two new 40 story towers — University Club by SOM and Kilbourn Tower by Milwaukee architects, La Dallman.
The diverse perspectives of these designers and many more are helping to fuel Milwaukee's movement toward its fresh, post-industrial identity.
