Alexander Mitchell's grand bank

Built in 1876, the Mitchell Building in Milwaukee is an impressive example of Second Empire architecture. Designed by E. Townsend Mix, it was Alexander Mitchell’s new office building, designed to house his bank and insurance companies. Mitchell was a Scottish immigrant who arrived in the US in 1839 and rose to powerful positions in various companies and even held two terms in the US House of Representatives. By 1876 he was president of the Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company Bank, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and the Northwestern National Insurance Company. He commissioned this building after becoming president of these companies. The building replaced Mitchell's previous Marine Bank building and is believed to be on the site of the home of Solomon Juneau, who founded Milwaukee.

Mix designed a five-story rectangular block with gray Minnesota granite walls on the first floor and limestone above, accented with elaborate cornices and window hoods, and topped with a complex mansard roof and an ornate central tower. Masonry contractor John Roberts oversaw construction, and Francis A. Lydston decorated the interior with frescoes, although much of that detail has disappeared over time.

Today, the exterior of the building remains largely intact and stands as an example of Second Empire style in Milwaukee. The building is located on East Michigan Street in Milwaukee.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons