Pabst Theater — Milwaukee

Development Team
OWNER: The Pabst Theater, Milwaukee
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Hunzinger Construction Co., Brookfield, Wis.
ARCHITECT: Engberg Anderson Design Partnership, Milwaukee
OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE: James J. Boerner, Milwaukee

The historic Pabst Theater has been renovated multiple times since it was opened in 1895. For example, foundation underpinning was completed in 1997 and exterior renovations in 2000.

The restoration completed in 2001 was the most extensive ever. The intent was to maintain the historical integrity and character of the building while adapting it for contemporary needs.

This included a 4,000-sq.-ft. lobby expansion and pub, main and mezzanine lobby restorations, gallery seating improvements, elevator installations, HVAC renovations, office expansion, restroom improvements and seating restoration.

Duplicating Fine Craftsmanship

Brookfield, Wis.-based Hunzinger Construction Co., the general contractor, was faced with the challenge of finding contractors to do antiquated work because the renovation required the replication of 100-year-old craftsmanship.

For example, the design of the pub bar incorporated the original 19th Century wood, wainscoting and columns salvaged from a demolished cloakroom. The limestone facade on the pub addition required an undetectable transition from the original to the new.

The pub roof railing, which has column ornamentation and archways, was constructed using techniques that are close to modern blacksmith work because it was required to match adjacent decorative ironwork from the original.

New front doors, which were made of cast bronze over stainless steel, are exact replicas of the leaky originals, including the rivets.

The same wool carpet was created, including the detailing of the P in Pabst sewn into the custom border.

Coffered ceilings with ornamental plaster, new marble and faux painting techniques were used in new areas adjacent to existing spaces.

Modernization required the addition of two elevators, which have been discreetly tucked into a space that once held a cloakroom. This required the insertion of two floors before the old ones were taken out.

The stratospheric upper balcony was transformed into a seating location with safety railings and plush seating. This required the surgical demolition of the original balcony down to the steel skeleton and the construction of the new balcony 50 ft. above stage level.

New floor levels were reconstructed to compensate for the uneven existing structure and to enable the elevators to provide accessibility for the disabled.

The ventilation system was modernized to improve circulation. Existing restrooms were renovated to add capacity. A new electrical service was installed to replace an aging power supply.

The jury said, "An incredible result. The construction challenge of finding workers to do work that isn't done anymore was great. Outstanding."

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