Peek inside Milwaukee VA's historic buildings before major renovation begins
WEST MILWAUKEE, Wis, (CBS 58) -- Major cleanup is about to get underway on the expansive campus of the Milwaukee VA Soldiers Home. The work on three buildings, to the tune of $25 million, is expected to benefit, not just the veterans who live here, but the entire Milwaukee area. Michele Fiore reports.
"It is a real win for the veteran community and really everyone in Milwaukee and the state to see this transformed again to what it once was," said Jonathan Beck, Development Project Manager, The Alexander Company.
Three solid structures, rich in Milwaukee history…
"You have people that actually fought in Gettysburg sitting in these seats at one point in time," said Beck.
…about to be brought back to life after sitting vacant for some 40 years.
"So where are we standing right now? -35 Jonathan: We are standing in the Ward Memorial Theatre," said Beck.
In the 1880s, a number of soldiers called this home. Now, some buildings that had fallen into disrepair, will be making a full return.
Development Project Manager Jonathan Beck with the Alexander Company is working to rehabilitate the Ward Memorial Theatre and two other buildings at the Milwaukee VA Soldiers Home, which have been part of the 250-acre landscape here off National Avenue since 1884.
"This is one of the most interesting historical rooms in the entire theatre," said Beck.
It's a treasure locked in time, an entire room filled with Vaudeville touring posters, dating back to the 19th Century.
"And that these are even intact, that these haven't been taken down through the decades is just a real miracle,-like 1880s? 1880s, early 1900s, you know 1907 are some of the dates on these. The Who is Who, the Jack Hartland Trio and then the Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls so you know," said Beck.
The theatre's original capacity, up to 900 people. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the iron and wood seats are originals, and the curtain still works.
"You know that does go up and down, but we will end up replacing a lot of the rigging, the curtains, the lighting, the mechanicals, the sound," said Beck.
Although audiences haven't gotten in here in many years, the theatre has served an important purpose for the VA as storage. All these pews that were once in the chapel can now be refurbished and placed back into the chapel.
"So those will all be taken out and then that will be just rehearsal space. So, rehearsal space is in big demand in Milwaukee right now for productions," said Beck.
The Soldiers Home Chapel is another one of the three buildings getting rehabilitated and repurposed.
"Structurally the building is still sound even though it is in need of significant rehabilitation," said Beck.
The Chapel's in need of a lot of work. Our walking tour inside, liked dodging potholes, steering clear of fallen plaster and raccoon droppings.
"You know we're very excited in order to bring these buildings back for veterans and more than just raccoons sneaking in here in the evenings," said Beck.
Floors will be redone, so will the electrical and HVAC systems. Beck thinks they may leave the upright radiators just for show. And as for the stained-glass windows in what was once a multi-denominational space…
"All of the decorative stained glass, the beams, the volume of this space will all be the same. They really are in pretty good shape. We'll just do a little cleaning up, making sure the sashes are tight," said Beck.
The rehab is being done in accordance with the requirements of the State Historic Preservation Office and National Historic Landmarks standards.
"I think it's gonna be incredible again for the people of Milwaukee to utilize this space for public gatherings, events, weddings, funerals, services," said Beck.
Developers believe this all to be original from back in the 1880s. We're even finding this cross that was left behind.
The last of the three buildings set for rehab and reuse has the least amount of work to be done.
"Just quite a bit of tuckpointing, new roof, reconfiguring the rooms and really just cleaning it up," said Beck.
"Right now, we are in the governor's residence and sometimes what is referred to as the Governor's Mansion," said Beck.
The 6-thousand square foot mansion served as primary residence for a number of Milwaukee VA directors. The last moved out about 10 years ago. More recent directors have lived off-site.
"Hard wood floors throughout, marble fireplaces, you know 10, 11-foot-high ceilings, crown molding throughout, grand staircase coming down, but just really an inviting place for veterans that will be coming in for those additional services," said Beck.
Beck says the mansion will be converted to supportive services offices. The Alexander Company's also responsible for other renovations for the Milwaukee VA including Old Main and five other buildings. In March 2021, it was a happy moment as the first veterans moved onto property into 101 repurposed units.
"Just a huge, monumental effort with so many partners," said Beck.
The work's expected to begin sometime next year and take 16 months to complete.