GaryPatriot: @jerpdavis I have photos to back you up! Can you say Gimbels?
about 1 day ago
GriffinClubMerv: @leroy77 Woolworths. Sears. K-Mart. Gimbels. The list of retailers that couldn't conceivably fail during their era of dominance is long.
about 3 days ago
SadiePop: "did Gimbels give you your job back?" "no, but it worked out pretty good. they gave me a restraining order."
about 4 days ago
pastanleys: Back in the day, I'd ride the #trolly w/ #Grandma to #Wanamakers lightshow, ride the #toydept #monorail then we'd C Santa @ #Gimbels ~ #GONE
about 4 days ago
RachelDenbow: just finished watching ELF with Sebastian. He wanted to make his room pretty for Christmas after the Gimbels scene. Snowflakes everywhere!
about 4 days ago
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The Gimbel's parking pavilion, 555 N. Plankinton Ave. |  |
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 | By Jeff Sherman   OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Jeff Sherman |
| Published Nov. 6, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. |
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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?
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14 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
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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