Join AIA Milwaukee and WiscoNOMA for a special presentation to honor Wisconsin’s first Black licensed architect, Alonzo Robinson Jr.

Among the many notable historic buildings within Milwaukee, perhaps none has received a greater amount of recent attention than Robinson’s Central City Plaza. Completed in 1973, the commercial complex - with its prominent circular porthole windows and restrained archways - is significant work of New Formalism within the City of Milwaukee. After being acquired by the Salvation Army, this former heart of Milwaukee’s Black business community faced demolition until the community intervened in early 2025.

Chris Rute, AIA, Erik Hancock, AIA and Eric Vogel - key members of the group behind the effort to save the Central City Plaza - will be joined by Robinson’s son, Kim, to share highlights from Robinson’s career while providing key takeaways into preserving Robinson’s work.

Presenters:

• Chris Rute AIA, RIBA Principal, CR Design
• Erik Hancock AIA, NOMA Partner, The Kubala Washatko Architects
• Kim Robinson Freelance photojournalist
• Eric Vogel Independent Curator and Architectural Historian

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the historic and architectural contributions of Alonzo Robinson, Jr. Participants will be able to describe Robinson’s role as Wisconsin’s first licensed Black architect, his career trajectory, and how his work advanced community‑centered design and minority participation within the architectural profession.
• Analyze Central City Plaza as a model of Black‑led urban development and architectural expression. Participants will learn how Central City Plaza responded to the impacts of urban renewal on Milwaukee’s Bronzeville community, how it embodied New Formalist and Modernist design strategies, and why it represents a landmark in African American economic self‑determination.
• Evaluate methods for documenting and reconstructing an under‑recognized architectural legacy. Participants will understand the research methodologies—including thematic surveying, archival analysis, and community‑sourced materials—used to rediscover Robinson’s body of work and apply similar strategies to historically marginalized architects elsewhere.
• Apply lessons from a successful preservation and advocacy campaign. Participants will be able to identify effective advocacy techniques—including coalition building, public messaging, community engagement, and collaboration with project stakeholders—that led to the 2025 historic designation of Central City Plaza and can inform future preservation initiatives.

Submitted for AIA/CES approval

Details:

• Doors open at 5:00pm; presentation begins at 5:30pm with Q&A to follow.
• Refreshments and light appetizers will be served.
• Lot and limited street parking available free of charge.
• No refunds day of event.

PROJECT RECOGNITION (LINKS):

• Docomomo_US
• Milwaukee Magazine
• Milwaukee Preservation Alliance
• Wisconsin Public Radio

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