click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
Property Features
2010: This two-story, Tudor Revival-style, brick business block consists of a central gabled roof section flanked by larger hipped roof (with flat top) wings. The entire storefront (south facade) has recently been renovated and now includes plate-glass windows and an expanse of stone veneer. The brick walls on the second story retain shadow evidence of wooden half-timber ornamentation. Fenestration on this level appears to be replacement casement examples. The east facade is now covered with a coating of stucco and includes a mural painted with "HOME OF JOHN ERNST CAFE, EST. 1878, MILWAUKEE'S OLDEST RESTAURANT".
This building was constructed in 1935 and became the home of the John Ernst Cafe. This parcel had previously been the site of restaurants -- which is the information that provides for the "Milwaukees oldest restaurant" claim. At least six additions by Ernst were made to the structure between 1935 and 1956. After the caf¿ closed, the building in 2002 was remodeled to its present appearance and is currently occupied by at least three restaurants.
Resurveyed as part of Milwaukee Downtown Connector Arch/History Survey (2010), Prepared by Heritage Research.
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or notice some information on this property needs to be updated, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
