615 E Michigan St

615 E Michigan St

Milwaukee

Milwaukee

1963

1966

2004,2015,2025

small office building

Miesian

Brick

Kurtz Architects, Inc.

No

2015: Constructed in the Contemporary Style essentially of gray brick and glass that emphasizes the structures horizontal nature, this is a four-story building situated on the south side of E. Michigan Street that faces north. The entryway is centered in a slightly recessed bay surrounded by concrete or stone panels. The building then extends to either side. It is characterized by a recessed first floor, in front of which four, symmetrically placed concrete columns are located that carry a stone belt course, above which are three more floors. A vertical concrete column extends height from the belt course and the first-floor columns below, as do subordinate concrete columns centered between the four first floor columns and that rise from the belt course only. The recessed first floor, and floors two, three and four above, are all notable for their gray brick, as well as the three-panel, vertical windows above. The structure is crowned by a nominal and unadorned cornice. A two-story addition is behind the building to the south. Known as the Lewis Center, this structure was constructed in two parts. Predicated on a of review of permits, it is believed that the east half was erected in 1962 at a cost of $400,000/ It was designed by architect Kenneth C. Kurtz as a four-story office building. The west half of the Lewis Center was then built in 1963. A two-story addition was subsequently constructed behind the building (to the south) in 1964. Both additions were designed by Kurtz and constructed by Gerhard Berghammer, Inc., the latter having also been the contractor for the initial construction. Abe Swed was the builder. Last surveyed in 1984 with a map code of 145/35 on map #396.2004 map code is 171/36a. 2025; The Miesian-style Lewis Center was designed by Kurtz Architects, Inc. in 1963. It is four stories high with a flat roof and fronts East Michigan Street. At the principal façade, the centered recessed entry bay is flanked by bilaterally symmetrical projecting wings. The center bay has concrete paneling, a centered entrance surround of metal glazing systems and two rows of three singular windows, above. At the wings, the front weight of the building system is cantilevered over the first floor onto piers. The façades consist of alternating rows of brick and metal ribbon windows tied together by narrow verticals that extend from the second floor to the cornice. A raised two-story grey brick addition is at the rear. This resource was evaluated for the National Register under Criteria A, B, and C. Preliminary research does not suggest any potential significance under Criterion A: History or Criterion B: People. Under Criterion C: Architecture, the property is a typical example of a Miesian style office building. It lacks sufficient architectural interest to be eligible for the National Register within the context of Milwaukee.

Building Permit.

Not Listed