The rotting, sinking foundations of Milwaukee’s City Hall and other downtown landmark buildings are receiving national attention.
The New York Times published a news story this week with a Milwaukee dateline headlined, “Questioning the merits of propping up City Hall.”
The lead in the story states, “City Hall, built in the 1890s and still one of the largest of its kind in the country, is slowly sinking. And like a cherished old home in need of constant upkeep, this historical landmark has become a perpetual money pit.”
The story quotes Milwaukee Common Council President Michael Murphy, who said, “It’s a gorgeous building, and one we’re certainly proud of, but it’s costly to maintain.”
The old wooden pilings that support the base of City Hall, timbers anchored deep into the marshy soil more than 100 years ago, are decaying as the local water table is drawn down. They will require costly repairs at a time when the city’s financial resources are strapped.
For more, read the story by clicking here.
