Beam House
Established 2015
The Beam House, originally built in 1871, was built for the Pfister and Vogel Leather Company, which was once the largest tannery in the world. The building was constructed by locals; many of whom were German immigrants, known for their detailed masonry. The brickwork on this building highlights the craftsmanship and pride of its builders. These details also reflected the wealth and success of the building’s original owners, Guido Pfister and Frederick Vogel, Sr., who had the time and money to spend on these details.
The building’s unique shape resulted from four additions being made between 1871 and 1876 to the original "Building 1"; as well as its proximity to neighboring railroad tracks and buildings. These new railroad connections were critical to improving the company’s access to raw materials and new markets.
The name "Beam House" derives from a step in the leather tanning process, where leather was cleaned and conditioned. Massive wooden drums, approximately 15 feet by 10 feet, were used in this process. These drums often sprayed water onto the surrounding stone surfaces, gradually eroding them. This textured stone is preserved as a feature throughout the building's lobby, serving as a tribute to its industrial past.
In December 2001, during a renovation project, a five-alarm fire occurred on the third floor, one of the largest fires in the city’s history. Sparks from a chop saw ignited old industrial equipment coated in dried lacquer. Milwaukee firefighters poured six million gallons of water into the building over the course of a week before the flames were fully extinguished. Remarkably, the heavy timber and brick construction endured, with the charring forming a natural protective layer for the wood core. Miraculously this preserved the building’s structural integrity.
Everything above the third floor was meticulously rebuilt, with timbers being hand-selected to match the original 19th-century construction. A charred fire door remains on the fourth floor as a tribute to the event, and an opening between the fourth and fifth floors honors the fire's impact. In 2017, the Beam House redevelopment was recognized with the "Back from the Brink" award by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.
Officially opened in 2015, there are nods to the building’s historical roots with exposed brick, heavy timber construction, and vertical joist ceilings. Units within the building offer panoramic views of the city and Menomonee river. There are chic finishes throughout including granite countertops, birch cabinetry, and stainless-steel appliances. Layouts include one and two bedroom options. The amenities located in the Beam House include a club room with a full kitchen and a guest suite for visitors!
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