Calatrava lands Milwaukee in national limelight
Milwaukee’s new icon on the lake was named Best Design of 2001 in TIME magazine’s list of Best and Worst of 2001.
While the design itself was the work of Spaniard Santiago Calatrava, Milwaukeeans can still beat their chests in triumph.
"I think Milwaukeeans’ sense of accomplishment is that we really had the idea of seeking a dramatic iconic building, and that we got it built," Milwaukee Art Museum Director Russell Bowman said. "Architecture is always a collaboration in that someone has to design it — but someone else has to make sure it functions for their purposes and has to pay for it. We wanted something that could speak not only for the museum but for the city, and we certainly seem to have gotten that."
According to Mayor John O. Norquist, Calatrava went out of his way to would in fact speak for the city.
"The art museum addition is a triumph as a work of art and as an urban building," Norquist said. "Calatrava really took the time to get a feel for the site. He walked the streets of the city so he could design an addition that complements its surroundings. It expresses Milwaukee."
More than 60 contractors put on their thinking caps — and then their hardhats — to make the project a reality. The design was rendered in many cases on the fly — most of the contractors had a direct role in determining how their portion of the structure would be executed. The vast majority of these contractors were from right here in southeastern Wisconsin.
"I think that all of the people who participated — the various contractors and so forth — who really took it as an exceptional project and figured out how to build it — their role was central," Bowman said. "I think they do feel real pride in accomplishing Calatrava’s design."
The architectural firm Kahler-Slater was the architect of record — turning the concepts described by Calatrava into concrete ideas contractors could get their minds and hands around.
"Kahler Slater was delighted to be part of this technically challenging project that is now receiving universal acceptance as an international landmark," David Kahler, former president of the firm that bears his name, said. Kahler presided over the design and construction process before bowing out to open his own consulting business. "We realized early on that the design of the Milwaukee Art Museum was going to have an international impact. It is truly a thrill for our firm to see how the design is being accepted locally, as well as nationally and internationally. Now with the designation of "Best Design of 2001" from Time Magazine, it is unquestionable that there is universal acceptance for the museum as a landmark destination."
Lots of other coverage
But Time Magazine’s singling out of the Calatrava been only the tip of the media iceberg, according to Bowman.
"We have had coverage in most of the national newspapers — fairly extensive and very positive coverage," Bowman said. "A number of architecture magazines are forthcoming with features on the building. It is everything we could have expected."
The building has received attention from the New York Times, The New Yorker, the Chicago Tribune and the Atlanta Journal Constitution — among others.
"All of these have covered the building in extensive and positive ways," Bowman said.
All the media attention is doing more than stroking the ego of Milwaukeeans — it is stoking the fire of the local economy, drawing visitors to the downtown.
"For the museum, we have had more than 300,000 people already since May," Bowman said. "Previous to that, we have never had more than 200,000 people in a year. Many more people are seeing and participating in the art museum, For the city, it is very positive that a project like this can be planned and executed in Milwaukee. I think it is very positive for the image of the city."
Jan. 18, 2002 Small Business Times, Milwaukee
