Saturday, June 07, 2008

5th Ward Building Collapse

The Journal-Sentinel reports that the Phillip Weimer Building, at 6th Street and National Avenue, has suffered a major roof and sidewall collapse amid today's heavy rains.

Phil Weimer Building
June 1, 2008, just a week before the collapse. The small house at right was largely destroyed by the collapse.

The 1892 Romanesque building is part of an amazing lineup of Victorian commercial buildings at the intersection and in the surrounding blocks, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its loss will diminish one of Milwaukee's major historical treasures. The front facade, at very least, should be preserved.

Phil Weimer Building
October 2006

Originally built to house a wine and liquor business, the building was most recently home to the Acapulco Lounge, which was closed for renovation. A small fire was reported, but quickly snuffed by firemen. No injuries are reported.

Phil Weimer Building

Post-collapse photos may be seen here.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I loved this building, I am sad about its loss. The city wasted no time destroying it. They really should make a public appology for acting with such haste. The city of Milwaukee is so careless with its buildings.

Anonymous said...

I believe the building was actually in the historic 8th ward since what is now called South 6th street used to be the boundary between the two wards.