Docomomo US/Wisconsin

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Docomomo US/Wisconsin

Docomomo US/Wisconsin, Advocating for the preservation of Moderism throughout Wisconsin!

Our mission focuses on Modern buildings, structures, cultural sites, and allied public arts realized during the 20th Century. We celebrate creators, clients, companies and cultural organizations from all of Wisconsin’s diverse communities: urban, rural, and in-between. To learn more about our ongoing documentation, engagement, and advocacy efforts, follow us here on Facebook and Instagram, or send us an email at [email protected] to get involved!

05/15/2026

Share your mid-century hometown favorites, iconic hangouts and hidden gems.

has announced their annual theme, Recreation and Play, and we want to hear from you, Wisconsin!

Pools, parks, playgrounds, student unions, community centers, ski lodges, marinas, beaches, and more — we’re looking for the places where people connect, move, and experience joy.

Share your photos, memories, and favorite modern places from across the state, and you might see them featured in a future post.

Comment, tag us, or send a message to get involved.

Vintage Bradford Beach postcard, published by The L. L. Cook Company, Milwaukee, 1955

04/25/2026

During the AIA Wisconsin Conference on April 23 at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center, community voices came together to spotlight the legacy of Alonzo Robinson Jr.—Wisconsin’s first registered Black architect.

Speakers Eric Vogel and Kim Robinson representing Docomomo WI, Chris Rute, AIA RIBA representing the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, and Erik Hancock, AIA representing NOMA shared a lecture and panel discussion exploring Alonzo Robinson Jr.’s work, impact, preservation efforts, and continued relevance today.

This lecture marks the fifth in an ongoing series featuring historic minority voices in architecture by Docomomo Wisconsin board members.

The conversation continues this June in Minneapolis, followed by a presentation at the NOMA Conference in Miami this fall.

Photo 1 | Marion Clendenen-Acosta, NOMA, AIA, Kim Robinson Sr., Teonna Cooksey, Assoc. AIA

Photo 3 | Eric Vogel, Walter Wilson, FAIA Ameritus, Kim Robinson Sr.

03/02/2026

Last Thursday, Docomomo Wisconsin was honored to participate in a powerful evening dedicated to preserving the legacy of Alonzo Robinson Jr., Wisconsin’s first registered Black architect.

Hosted by AIA Milwaukee and WiscoNOMA, the lecture centered on Robinson’s life, work, and the preservation efforts behind Central City Plaza (1973). The conversation highlighted Robinson’s commitment to community-centered modernism and the continued relevance of his civic vision today.

Speakers included Chris Rute, Erik Hancock, Kim Robinson, Eric Vogel, and Zimmerman Architectural Studios, each reflecting on Robinson’s architectural impact and the importance of safeguarding his work for future generations.

We’re grateful to be part of this ongoing effort to ensure Robinson’s contributions remain visible, protected, and celebrated.

🎥 Be sure to check out the full video of the event — link in bio: The Legacy of Alonzo Robinson Jr. – Cream City Think Tank.

CommunityCenteredDesign AIA NOMA Modernism CreamCity

02/27/2026

🎥 NOW ON YOUTUBE | FROM THE ARCHIVES LECTURE

Missed our From the Archives lecture honoring Alonzo Robinson Jr., Wisconsin’s first licensed Black architect? The full program is now live on Docomomo Wisconsin’s YouTube page.

Presented in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Library and UW–Milwaukee Cultural Resource Management, this Black History Month program explored Robinson’s lasting impact on Milwaukee’s civic and neighborhood landscapes—from Central City Plaza to the Milwaukee Fire Department Administration Building.

A sincere thank you to Justin Miller architectural historian at UW–Milwaukee, for his deeply researched and thoughtful lecture illuminating Robinson’s life, work, and commitment to community-centered design.

And a very special thank you to Kim Robinson, son of Alonzo Robinson Jr., for sharing personal stories and reflections that brought his father’s legacy vividly to life.

Huge gratitude to Dave Erickson .photo our videographer, for beautifully capturing the day and helping us preserve this important conversation.

Watch, share, and help us continue honoring Milwaukee’s modern architectural history.

🔗 Visit Docomomo Wisconsin on YouTube

MilwaukeeHistory

02/24/2026

This Thursday! Join AIA Milwaukee and WiscoNOMA for “Preserving the Honored Legacy of Alonzo Robinson, Jr.” — an evening dedicated to Robinson’s life, work, and the powerful preservation effort behind Central City Plaza (1973). Once the heart of Milwaukee’s Black business community, the Plaza—distinguished by its circular porthole windows and restrained New Formalist arches—faced demolition in 2025. A coalition of community members, architects, and advocates successfully intervened, securing historic designation for this landmark of Black-led urban development.

Speakers include:
• Chris Rute, AIA, RIBA (CR Design)
• Erik Hancock, AIA, NOMA (The Kubala Washatko Architects)
• Kim Robinson, freelance photojournalist
• Eric Vogel, independent curator & architectural historian

📍 Zimmerman Architectural Studios
2122 W Mt Vernon Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233

🗓 Thursday, February 26, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
(Doors at 5:00 PM | Presentation at 5:30 PM + Q&A)

Light refreshments will be served. Free lot and limited street parking available.

This is more than a lecture — it’s a conversation about authorship, advocacy, and preserving Milwaukee’s modern architectural legacy.

02/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to our latest From the Archives Lecture Series on Alonzo Robinson, Jr., the first registered Black architect in the state of Wisconsin. What a wonderful way to spend a Valentine’s Day afternoon. 🧡

A special thank you to Kim Robinson for sharing personal reflections on his father’s legacy, to Justin Miller (UWM) for a thoughtful and engaging lecture, and to the incredible staff at the Milwaukee Public Library for hosting and showcasing materials from their archives.

We’re also grateful to our partners at UW–Milwaukee Cultural Resource Management and AIA Milwaukee for their collaboration and support.

Docomomo Wisconsin is proud to help share Robinson’s story and celebrate Milwaukee’s rich modern architectural heritage. Thank you for being part of it.

02/13/2026

TOMORROW! FROM THE ARCHIVES LECTURE

Celebrate Black History Month with Docomomo Wisconsin as we honor Alonzo Robinson, Jr., Wisconsin’s first licensed Black architect, whose work shaped Milwaukee’s civic and neighborhood landscapes for over four decades.

📅 WHEN: Saturday, February 14, 2026, 2:00–3:30 PM
📍 WHERE: Milwaukee Central Library, Centennial Hall, Loos Room
733 N. Eighth Street, Milwaukee
🎟 COST: Free and open to the public, no registration required

Presented in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Library and UW–Milwaukee Cultural Resource Management, this lecture features UWM architectural historian Justin Miller, exploring Robinson’s landmark projects, including Central City Plaza, recently saved from demolition, and the Milwaukee Fire Department Administration Building, recently named in his honor.

The program includes a Q&A with Kim Robinson, a Docomomo Wisconsin pop-up exhibit, and original architectural drawings from MPL’s Archives.

Just show up and join us in celebrating Milwaukee’s architectural history.

02/09/2026

Mr. Perkins Restaurant, by Alonzo Robinson, Jr.

This iconic neighborhood restaurant is another example of the wide-ranging, community-centered architecture designed by Alonzo Robinson, Jr., Wisconsin’s first licensed Black architect. Beyond churches and civic buildings, Robinson also shaped everyday places where Milwaukeeans gathered, ate, and built local culture. His work for Mr. Perkins reflects a modern architectural language applied to small-scale commercial spaces that were deeply embedded in community life.
To learn more about Robinson’s work and legacy, join us for a NEW From the Archives Lecture, presented by Docomomo Wisconsin in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Library and UW–Milwaukee Cultural Resource Management.

📅 Saturday, February 14, 2026
📍 Milwaukee Central Library, Centennial Hall, Loos Room
⏰ 2:00–3:30 PM
🎟 Free and open to the public, no registration required

The program features UWM architectural historian Justin Miller, a Q&A with Kim Robinson, and original architectural drawings from MPL’s Archives.

02/03/2026

Kosciuszko Park, by Alonzo Robinson, Jr.

This thoughtfully designed public building within Kosciuszko Park is another example of the civic-minded architecture created by Alonzo Robinson, Jr., Wisconsin’s first licensed Black architect. Across a 40-year career, Robinson designed spaces that served Milwaukee’s neighborhoods with clarity, dignity, and modern architectural language, extending his impact beyond churches and civic offices into parks and community gathering spaces.

To learn more about Robinson’s work and legacy, join us for a NEW From the Archives Lecture, presented by Docomomo Wisconsin in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Library and UW–Milwaukee Cultural Resource Management.

📅 Saturday, February 14, 2026
📍 Milwaukee Central Library, Centennial Hall, Loos Room
⏰ 2:00–3:30 PM
🎟 Free and open to the public, no registration required

The program features UWM architectural historian Justin Miller, a Q&A with Kim Robinson, and original architectural drawings from MPL’s Archives.

01/27/2026

Church of the Living God, by Alonzo Robinson, Jr.

This striking midcentury church is one example of the many civic and community-centered buildings designed by Alonzo Robinson, Jr., Wisconsin’s first licensed Black architect. Across a 40-year career, Robinson shaped churches, homes, businesses, and major public landmarks throughout Milwaukee, blending modern design with deep neighborhood purpose.

To learn more about Robinson’s work and legacy, join us for a NEW From the Archives Lecture, presented by Docomomo Wisconsin in partnership with the Milwaukee Public Library and UW–Milwaukee Cultural Resource Management.

📅 Saturday, February 14, 2026
📍 Milwaukee Central Library, Centennial Hall, Loos Room
⏰ 2:00–3:30 PM
🎟 Free and open to the public, no registration required

The program features UWM architectural historian Justin Miller, a Q&A with Kim Robinson, and original architectural drawings from MPL’s Archives.

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Milwaukee, WI
53211

Website

https://www.docomomo-wi.org/

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