Blog #3 - The Astor Hotel

The interior architecture of the Astor Hotel is magnificent. Built in 1920, the main entry areas are so elegant they have to really be looked at in detail to appreciate just how beautiful this structure really is. The outside of the building isn't the prettiest to see, but looks on the outside don't always portray what is on the inside. Many of the oval interiors have amazing crown molding and stained glass is a sight to see. Some of the lighting has been updated for electrical reasons. The light fixtures that are attached to the walls and the chandeliers look gorgeous as well. Updates include carpeting, interior walls of rooms as well as furniture, for obvious reasons, this is a hotel after all.

For section 106, I would think being a hotel makes it a little easier for the public to say whether they are worthy of being historic. Despite many people staying from out of the city, there are thousands of people who are from Milwaukee that stay at the Astor for multiple reasons. They get to see the elegance of this hotel, more than many people might see other historic buildings. Not only are they seeing the interior space, but they are doing it for at least a 24-hour period, sometimes more depending on their length of stay.

The interior elegance is what makes this worthy of the status of historical designation. Many people, not just from Milwaukee, can see the preserved space which makes it all the better and brings and interest in Milwaukee itself. I would agree that this should stay intact as historical. Many people when they come to a hotel will realize the space around them, at some point during the trip. Whether they have to wait in line or are just walking around the area, they will notice pieces that are intriguing and will ask employees about the history of the hotel and struck conversations about the building itself.

images:
http://www.theastorhotel.com/