The Victor Schlitz mansion was completed in 1890 following two years of construction on two of the five city lots Victor purchased with money he inherited from his uncle, Joseph Schlitz, founder of the Schlitz brewery. It was designed by Charles A. Gombert , best known as the architect of the North Point Water Tower on Milwaukee’s east side and of the Val Blatz mansion, now demolished.
The home is constructed of cream city brick and rock faced limestone and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places where it is identified as Queen Anne style. However, it is more accurately a part of the Picturesque movement with Exotic Eclectic influences including touches of Moorish detail on the exterior. It is considerably less “fussy” than many Queen Anne’s, having a more “muscular” appearance in both the exterior and interior finishing. This would be consistent with the German esthetic of the Schlitz family who employed German craftsmen in the construction and finishing of the house.
From 1930 to 1975 the house served as a Catholic orphanage housing 20 girls and four nuns. It was home for the Highland Community School from 1975 to 1998. It was reclaimed as a single-family home by Robert Upson who spent 15 years restoring it. John Sheaffer and Tim Baack bought the house in 2016 and continue its loving and exquisite restoration making it a masterpiece once again. This is a must see house!
About the Tour
When: Saturday, June 17th, 2017 10AM--5PM
Where: Tour headquarters is Greater Utopian Pentecostal,
2925 W State St.
Cost: $17 in advance. $20 day of event.
Phone: 414.459.9375 Website: www.hcni.org/home-tour
For more 360 interactive images and virtual tours visit the main Tour de Force 360 website.
