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Any ideas for the Gimbel's parking pavilion?
The Gimbel's parking pavilion, 555 N. Plankinton Ave.
By Jeff Sherman RSS Feed Twitter Feed
OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer

E-mail author | Author bio
More articles by Jeff Sherman

What is a blog?  For us it is a short blurb that we write when the mood strikes us.  It can be first person, funny or informative. In short, a blog is whatever we want it to be. Published Nov. 6, 2009 at 9:30 a.m.
Tags: development, gimbel's, parking structure, irwin union bank, 555 n. plankinton ave., borders lot


The Gimbel's parking pavilion, 555 N. Plankinton Ave., was built in 1947. The art moderne-style building, designed by V.K. Boynton, has always been one of my favorites. And, I think that it needs a tenant. A great tenant -- a Kopp's or other destination-type diner, maybe even a cool retailer. Who knows? I just know that it's too nice of a building to sit vacant.

It's an attractive, poured concrete, historic building that's full of potential. It's last tenant, Irwin Union Bank, closed on March 12.

According to bizjournals.com, a spokesman for Indiana-based Irwin Union said bank executives decided to close the office due to difficulties recruiting and retaining executive talent.

My wife suggested recently that if Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn really wants to move the 1st District police station that this could be an option. Better yet, she thought the old Greyhound Station would really work. I agree.

Anyway, what are your thoughts for a good use for this attractive Downtown building?

14 comments about this article.
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Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by bman on Nov. 29, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. (report)

Homeless shelter?, Seriously, a Planned Parenthood? Those are two amazing ideas! How about a methadone clinic. Maybe a prostitution outreach center. What a bout a Rent-a-center or maybe a check cashing place? Adult Bookstore maybe? What about a metal recycling center, we could use the parking structure for all of the homeless to park their shopping carts. What about a social services office?

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Posted by ChateauDweller on Nov. 9, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. (report)

A homeless shelter and a planned parenthood clinic? Nothing would revitalize that area more! buahahahaha! How about a needle exchange, plasma clinic and an Acorn office while we are at it.

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Posted by Jasmine on Nov. 7, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. (report)

TARGET OR A CHEESECAKE FACTORY

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Posted by hardgeminiguy on Nov. 6, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. (report)

gimbels used the building to sell large appliances. downtown needs more parking--not less so the building should be saved. some type of destination restaurant would work with free parking in the same building. a museum could work--a beer museum? it could serve beer and have a restaurant. target and wallmart were once considering building on the empty lots around the gimbels building. did the poor retail climate stop that idea? downtown needs major retail on that area. destination stores.

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Posted by speakthetruth on Nov. 6, 2009 at 3:37 p.m. (report)

Planned Parenthood. It is on a bus line.

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Show me the other 9 Talkbacks
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