Common Council OKs renaming MFD HQ in honor of Alonzo Robinson
Common Council OKs renaming MFD HQ in honor of Alonzo Robinson
The Milwaukee Common Council voted unanimously to rename the Milwaukee Fire Department Headquarters at 7th and Wells in honor of Alonzo Robinson, Wisconsin s first African American architect.
MILWAUKEE - On an overcast and cold February afternoon, Kim Robinson stepped inside Milwaukee Fire Station No. 2. The station, which also serves as the fire administration building, nearing its 60th anniversary next month since its dedication in 1961.
The connections between present, and past, are not lost on Robinson as he walked through the large first-floor garage, climbed the steps and walked the third-floor halls with Chief Aaron Lipski. Lipski points out much of the layout and design of the station and administration offices at 711 W. Wells Street has gone unchanged over the years.
Today, January 27, 2021, legislation which would officially rename the Milwaukee Fire Department Headquarters after Wisconsin’s first African American architect was unanimously recommended for approval by the
Alonzo Robinson accomplished many feats in the field of architecture, including being the designer and architect of the MFD Headquarters located 711 W. Wells St. (the building being recommended to be renamed after him). Alderman
Cavalier Johnson is the lead sponsor for the renaming and has voiced support to honor Mr. Robinson’s legacy and accomplishments in this way.
As the first African American registered architect in Milwaukee and Wisconsin, Mr. Robinson is a true inspiration and trailblazer in his field as he overcame adversity to open doors for future architects and engineers of color in the city and state. Mr. Robinson designed many buildings in downtown Milwaukee including central-city churches, the former YMCA (now a Marquette University facility) at N. 10
Alonzo Robinson was a trailblazing architect By Jeramey Jannene - Jan 28th, 2021 03:27 pm //end headline wrapper ?>Milwaukee Fire Department headquarters, 711 W. Wells St. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.
The Milwaukee Fire Department Administration Building, an unassuming three-story building at 711 W. Wells St., will soon be named after its designer,
Alonzo Robinson. The change will honor the first Black architect practicing in Milwaukee and Wisconsin.
The Common Council is advancing a proposal, led by council president
Cavalier Johnson, to assign the name “Alonzo Robinson Milwaukee Fire Department Administration Building” to the structure, completed in 1961. The Public Works Committee unanimously endorsed the change on Wednesday. The third level is used for MFD administration with an active fire station on the first two levels.
Committee OKs renaming Milwaukee Fire HQ after Alonzo Robinson
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Committee OKs renaming Milwaukee Fire HQ after Alonzo Robinson
Milwaukee s Public Works Committee unanimously recommended on Wednesday, Jan. 27 renaming the Milwaukee Fire Department headquarters at 7th and Wells after Alonzo Robinson, Wisconsin s first African American architect.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee s Public Works Committee unanimously recommended on Wednesday, Jan. 27 renaming the Milwaukee Fire Department headquarters at 7th and Wells after Alonzo Robinson, Wisconsin s first African American architect.
Robinson is the designer and architect of the MFD headquarters. But he is also known for designing other buildings in downtown Milwaukee including central-city churches, the former YMCA (now a Marquette University facility) at N. 10th and W. Wisconsin Ave., the Doyne Park shelter house, and a new sixth-floor courtroom in the Milwaukee County Courthouse.