PUBLIC SERVICE BUILDING

The Public Service Building, in downtown Milwaukee, has had an interesting history.  Completed in 1905, the block-long four-story building initially served as the depot for both Milwaukee's interurban rail line and its street car line.  And it still sports large panels on both its east and west facades where the rails entered and exited the building.  When those services ultimately ended, the building eventually became the corporate headquarters for what is now We Energies, the Southeastern Wisconsin power utility.

The building was open for the late September Doors Open Milwaukee event, and here are some photos that I took during my visit.

First, the building's ornate entrance facade, including the beautiful semicircular window over the entrance.

To give an idea of how well maintained the building's interior is, here is a ceiling detail.

There is a lovely skylight above a staircase landing in the lobby leading to the building's second level.

But the building's best showpiece is its main lobby, including its chandelier.

I was particularly happy with this last shot taken from directly beneath the chandelier.

John