MILWAUKEE SOLDIERS HOME:
A NATIONAL
TREASURE
IN NEED
The Milwaukee Soldiers Home, on the grounds of the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center overlooking American Family Field, was built in 1867 as a place of healing for veterans returning from the Civil War. Since then, thousands of Wisconsin veterans have called it their safe haven.
One of only 43 National Historic Landmarks in Wisconsin, the Soldiers Home contains some of the oldest and most historic buildings in the VA system. Though many of its buildings remain in use, some of the District’s most iconic buildings remain vacant and deteriorating.
6
BUILDINGS ARE SAVED
PRESERVATION IN ACTION
Thanks in large part to an advocacy and awareness effort led by the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (MPA), six of the Soldiers Home’s buildings - including Old Main - have been renovated into 101 supportive housing units for veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
ROAD TO RESTORATION
Though veterans once again call Old Main home, other key historic buildings remain threatened.
Now, plans are in place to restore three remaining vacant Soldiers Home buildings: Ward Memorial Theater, the Soldiers Home Chapel and the Governor’s Mansion will be fully preserved and restored to provide additional community space and support services for veterans.