Pabst Mansion
In 1889, Captain Frederick Pabst commissioned Milwaukee architect, George Bowman Ferry to design a substantial mansion in the Flemish Renaissance Revival style on a large piece of property that Pabst had acquired some years earlier. For seven months, Ferry labored over designs for the future Pabst Residence. On June 27, 1890, a building permit was issued for the construction of the home at 2000 Grand Avenue. Over the next two years, dozens upon dozens of craftsman created the structure that we see today.
The Pabst family was able to move into their new home in July of 1892. The Pabst family was able to enjoy their abode for a relatively short period of time. After Captain Pabst died in 1904 and Mrs. Pabst in 1906, the heirs to the estate put the Pabst Mansion up for sale. In May of 1908, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee successfully negotiated for the purchase of the Mansion to be used as the residence of the Archbishop.
For 67 years, five Archbishops and numerous priests and sisters called the former Pabst Residence home. In 1975, the Mansion was to be sold only for the second time is its history. The Archdiocese had hoped that a preservation group would purchase and maintain the structure. However when funding did not materialize, it was sold to a party with the intention of demolishing the house for a parking structure. With the fate of the Mansion poised for demolition, local entrepreneur, John Conlin purchased the house until the fledgling preservation group, Wisconsin Heritages, Inc., could attain the funds needed. By 1978 WHI was able to purchase the former Pabst Mansion and open the house to the public in May of 1978.
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