Inside The Mysterious Empty Mansion of Milwaukee

Discover the hidden history of the most extravagant yet empty mansion ever built in Milwaukee. From the heights of a romantic love story to the depths of deceit and betrayal, this Richardsonian Romanesque Mansion stood as a testament to a relationship that never was.

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Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress, Milwaukee Public Library, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Library
Assets from: Envato Elements
Music from Epidemic Sound

[jenpink]

Oh my gosh, my jaw literally dropped when you showed us that picture of the wreckage. What a shame! That was really some extraordinary craftsmanship!

[marcyking]

The really sad part about finding out about these demolitions is knowing that these magnificent mansions of yesteryear will never be reproduced like they were, back in the day when true craftsmen took pride in their work. These days, houses are built to last 40-50 years, and the majority of today's architecture can't hold a candle to the prestigious workmanship oozing from the homes of yesterday, including the smaller homes. So sad to destroy such beauty for a parking lot that could be built anywhere. What's the point in stealing a spot already occupied by a gem that could have been refurbished into student housing, class rooms, or whatever other purpose a college might have?

[emilyfink]

The woodwork on the staircases was incredible! I could spend an hour just looking at the detailing. So much talent went into these kinds of homes back then. Makes most of today’s homes look like “blah”.

[sandysimmer]

I had tears in my eyes when I saw the pictures of the demolition of this home! What terrible people, and so very sad.

[krazmokramer]

The interior woodwork was fabulous. Like Joni Mitchell sang: "Paved paradise. Put up a parking lot."

[vault]

That's heartbreaking. Whoever made that decision should be ashamed of themselves.

[christophermyers]

It's unbelievable that the university demolished a historic mansion for a parking lot, considering that the surrounding buildings lack ANY architectural significance? 🤔😠

[The_Smith]

I liked that alcove off the library, looked like a nice place to spend a stormy day with a book, cat, and mug of tea.

[gwenyoung]

I almost teared up when I saw the demo picture. Why would anyone want to destroy such a monumentally beautiful house in favor of a parking lot? It seems that the university could have used it as offices, etc. Sad, sad, sad

[proudvirginian]

Shutters that pulled up from the base is something I hadn't seen before. That's pretty cool

[DeanRussellHickey]

Well that was a shocker.... There I was watching the video and looking forward to seeing the house as I thought it might exist today, then out of nowhere the house is gone! I wasn't expected that ending at all, and I actually gasped and said "No way" out loud. It's true. Others have commented as to the damage done mid-century and it is certainly a shame that so much has been lost. On the plus side, there are a great many restored homes and buildings, and what is happening in Detroit is a great example, where they restore a crumbling mass of bricks into an amazing architectural treasure. I really do enjoy this channel.

[iamspartacus]

So many uses could have been done with this beautiful mansion. A counseling or welcoming center, museum, library….but instead they got a parking lot.
Thank you, Ken, for keeping architectural history alive. Wish you had been able to give a live tour before it was torn down.

[GoodToGoIndustries]

I'll never forget seeing a hallway in the James J. Hill mansion, which cost a million to have made. All hand carved wood, it was more of a sculpture than wood paneling.

[SpanishEclectic]

Oh man! What a tragedy! We see people trying to restore houses of a similar age that have fallen into ruin. If this had been saved back then, and incorporated into the University as a special event space, library for special archives, art display space, or even offices, how many people could have enjoyed the views from the fun tower, the decorative facade, and that fantastic interior woodwork? Too bad there aren't more pictures. I'm always glad when I see a Victorian house that has been incorporated into the grounds of a school or hospital. So much of that late mid-century commercial construction was just boring and ugly. In our Downtown, a number of old warehouses, commercial buildings, hotels, and private homes from the 1880s through the early 1950s have been restored and are living on, though often with a new use. Fun to see a night club or cafe in a 1930s former auto shop. Every one has something decorative or unique about it.

[amandab.recondwith]

Such a shame. But back then, these fabulous structures were considered to be ugly. They'd rather have a nasty modernist block instead. I still can't believe the damage done from the '60 - -70s.

[theresawilson]

What a terrible waste. A beautiful intact house demolished. I can't say which room was my favorite as they were all so beautiful. I did really like the entrance hall.

[rosiemcnaughton]

What a crime! Such a wonderful house, and not a thing wrong with it. Good video.

[yada-yadadragon]

I lived in Milwaukee as a child and remember this house along the lake front, along with many others. I can not believe it has been torn down. How sick is the university to be so brazen to think it was "in bad taste" and also believe they were capable to judge. They obviously were not qualified. Just so sad they did this.

[SusyJacuzzi]

When i see buildings like this, I bounce between being in awe of the design and craft, and scorn for its extravagance when so many live in poverty. I wonder how the craftspeople who made this building lived.

[derricklangford]

That old growth wood must have been extremely expensive. I'm always amazed at the quality of craftsmanship that it took to create something so beautiful, more than likely with only hand tools. Milwaukee had at the time a large German population who brought the artform over to America. Sadly very few people have the knowledge to replicate those techniques. Which makes saving buildings like these extremely important.