Milwaukee Fire Department Administration Building dedicated to local architect Alonzo Robinson

On November 30, 2021, The City of Milwaukee hosted a dedication of the Milwaukee Fire Department Administration Building at 711 W. Wells Street, in honor of its architect Alonzo Robinson, Jr. (center). Alonzo was the first African American architect licensed by the state of Wisconsin and the city of Milwaukee’s first Black registered municipal architect. His career was marked by many firsts and barrier- breaking accomplishments, including being the first person of color to pass the state registration exam, heading his own design firm and becoming the first African American to serve as the managing architect for Milwaukee County’s Department of Public Works. He was also the first Black Adjunct Professor to teach Construction Management, Estimating and Architectural Design classes at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. At the dedication Alonzo was praised by Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, Mayor Tom Barrett, County Executive David Crowley, Common Council President Cavalier Johnson, 4th District Alderman Robert Bauman, Milwaukee Brotherhood of Firefighters De’Wayne Smoots, his family including his son photojournalist Kim Robinson, as well as many other friends and well-wishers.