Altius Building Company Earns 2022 Mayor’s Design Award

Altius Building Company announced today that they have received a 2022 Mayor’s Design Award for the Oriental Theatre’s historic restoration project. As a significant icon within the community the project has been recognized under the Test of Time category. The official ceremony is being held on Wednesday, May 18th, 2022, at the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning.

“For 25 years, Milwaukee has witnessed tremendous growth and activity. New buildings, outdoor spaces, attractions, and landscaping add to the fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “These awards celebrate the innovative efforts that make our city a great place to live, work, and have fun. I am excited to recognize these deserving projects that showcase the power of urban design to build stronger communities and move Milwaukee forward.”

Built in 1927 the historic Oriental Theatre needed substantial updating and renovations. Located within the 3rd Aldermanic District, the rehabilitation of this historic theater included new seating, improved acoustics and lighting, lobby renovations, and an expansion into the adjacent vacant storefront. This effort, led by Milwaukee Film, will allow the public to experience this iconic landmark for generations to come. The project was supported by federal historic tax credits.

The Test of Time category recognizes the added value a project brings to the city by restoring or reusing their properties in a manner that preserves and enhances the character of their neighborhood. They reinforce the traditional neighborhood fabric and preserve the city’s built environment.

Over the course of this 29 month long, phased project Milwaukee Film engaged the services of The Kubala Washatko Architects as the designer, Voss Jorgensen Schueller (VJS) as the owner’s representative and Altius Building Company as the construction manager. The team worked tirelessly to complete the many aspects of each phase of this historic restoration project.