Ald. Bauman files proposal to make UWM-Panther arena a historic building

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A proposal could tear down the first home of the Milwaukee Bucks and the current home of the Panthers and Admirals

It’s had a few names over the years, and it’s hosted even bigger ones.

“From when it was the Mecca all the way till now when it’s the UWM Panther Arena. It means a lot to the city, it means a lot to us here on the corner of 4th and Kilbourn,” said Kevin Lux, kitchen manager at Major Goolsby’s.

The UWM-Panther Arena has been a part of Milwaukee history for nearly 75 years, but its future could be at risk.

“Teddy Roosevelt gave a speech there right after he got shot,” said Ald. Bob Bauman.

The Wisconsin Center District, which owns and operates the Panther Arena, hired a consulting group to determine what the best use of that space could be, including a possible demolition.

“I would be very sad,” said Bauman.

Bauman, in an effort to save it, has filed a petition to give the arena and the Miller High Life Theatre a historic designation. Bauman says while the historic designation wouldn’t prevent the arena from being demolished, it would open the discussion for public comment and city approval.

“It would not just be the unilateral decision of the Wisconsin Center District, but the city would also be involved in that process,” said Bauman.

Right across the street, Major Goolsby’s agrees. Lux says the bar relies heavily on events at Panther Arena for business.

“I think it definitely deserves to be a historic building in Milwaukee,” said Lux. “I mean 100%, it’s night and day in here when there’s an event going on across the street, we fill this place with 400 people.”

It’s an effort to keep a piece of history at home for the time being.

“Well, it’s Milwaukee’s heart and soul,” Bauman.