Milwaukee Public Library – Mitchell Street Branch

Mitchell Street Branch is the largest of MPL’s branch libraries, with 23,000 square feet of space across three levels. Originally constructed in 1919 as Lion Store, then Hill’s Department Store for more than 30 years, this building is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2017, HGA Architects designed Mitchell Street Branch, which became the first library housed in a renovated space since 1989. The library on the ground floor and dozens of luxury apartment units occupy the floors above. The library retains several original architectural flourishes including terrazzo floors, ornate plaster column capitals, historic mahogany stair and mezzanine railings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Contemporary elements include a fireplace, community room with a folding glass door, multi-use “social staircase,” and a pedestrian alley.

Businesses that once called this building home include Krambo grocery store, Goeb’s Finer Bakeries, Allen D. Everitt Knitting Co., National Hardware, Empire Television & Appliance Store, Big Bend Self Service Shoe Store, Wedding & Banquet Services, P M Upholstery Fabric & Supplies, SER Jobs for Progress, UMOS (United Migrant Opportunity Services), and more. In the early 1980s, the top floor was home to a punk rock night club called Top of the Hills where the Dead Kennedys once performed before 500 people. Today, the library serves one of the youngest and most diverse neighborhoods in the city and plays a vital role in Milwaukee’s Latinx community, including offering bilingual programs, an extensive Spanish reading collection, author and artist events, and even a wrestling match!