Doors Open Milwaukee…Here in the Neighborhood!

Posted on September 16, 2015 by admin

This Saturday and Sunday (September 19-20) is appropriately billed as “Milwaukee’s Biggest Open House Weekend”.  This upcoming weekend is a great chance to learn about your City by discovering new places, visiting hidden gems, learning about buildings with great architecture and history, attending special  lectures or touring great neighborhoods including our own.  There are 175+ building to visit, FREE to the public.  For more general information go to: historicmilwaukee.org.

There are several places in our neighborhood that are part of Doors Open Milwaukee so please consider including them in your explorations this weekend.  It is a great way to get to know your neighborhood.

Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts –  2419 E. Kenwood Blvd.

  • Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday NOT OPEN;
  • Photographs permitted, Handicapped accessible
  • Built in 1922 as a synagogue, the UWM building boasts a grand entrance, two elaborate stained glass displays, as well as exquisite molding, arches, decorative elements.

Milwaukee Public Library East Branch –  2320 N. Cramer St.

  • Saturday 10 am – 5 pm (Last admittance 4:45 pm) and Sunday NOT OPEN.
  • Photographs permitted; fully handicapped accessible
  • Guided 15-20 minute tours will be given on Saturday.  The architecturally interesting building is a departure from a typical library layout.  HGA architects designed an elliptical shaped Community Room with 16 foot high pivot doors and channel glass walls defining the flexible meeting room. Permanent art installations from local artists are on site along with reclaimed wood from the 1968 library.  Take a seat in our ‘living room’ next to the fireplace while enjoying the bustling North Avenue businesses.

Educators Credit Union   – 2232 N. Prospect Ave.

  • Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday NOT OPEN
  • No photographs or filming permitted; fully handicapped accessible
  • The 2009 branch of the Educators Credit Union was constructed using as much ‘green’ materials as possible.  It was recognized by the AIA for excellence in design.  Enjoy the soaring three-story lobby. The design combines a layering of brick, concrete and aluminum on the outside with wood detailing inside, keeping with the Prairie style influence of all Educators’ branches.  The tour will also include the rooftop garden, normally not open to the public.

UWM/EMS College of Engineering and Applied Sciences   3200 N. Cramer St.

  • Saturday 10 a.m. – 5p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 3:30 pm
  • Photography permitted; fully handicapped accessible
  • UWM College of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves 2,000 engineering students, 400 at the graduate level. Enter your name to win a 3D print and tour our foundry – the foundry serves as a training ground for Mechanical Engineers. Visit Wisconsin’s largest structural testing facility where testing is done on materials, components and systems for bridges, buildings, factories, machinery and more. Many additional displays and interactive experiences will be available.

SPECIAL IN DEPTH TOUR – go to www.doorsopenmilwaukee.org for details

  • Six Points Walking Tour (90 minutes)– Capacity 35;  Ticket required; Cost $5
  • Sunday (9/20) at 1 pm;  Meet at the west end of Beans and Barley Parking lot. 1901 E. North Avenue
  • Join longtime Eastsider George Wagner in discovering the vibrant history of East North Avenue. What a convergence of the industrial, commercial, recreational, institutional and residential! You’ll be surprised at Six Points 125 years of diversity.