Muneer's House
This split-level, wood-frame craftsman house, with retail space on the ground floor and a residential flat on the upper level was built in 1918. It serves as a prototype for the mixed-use buildings that once lined Lisbon Avenue. This house has a long history. Many residents have lived and made a living in this building, all leaving it slightly changed and imposing their identity on the space.
House History Timeline 1918- Permit to build Wood frame house Architect: W.P. Kennedy Mason: Krueger Construction & Cement Co. Carpenter: J. Kennedy The structure was built to be a mixed-use building, but has a very unique layout that suggests a strong connection between the living and working spaces. There are two distinct entrances on the front face of the building, but the rear exit is shared via a staircase into the retail space. 1920- Joseph J Schaefer, jeweler: owner/occupant Lisbon Avenue had grown into a commercial street with many mixed-use buildings with stores or shops on the lower lever and flats above. This allowed artisans and professionals, such as jewelers, doctors, butchers, cobblers, and candle makers to settle in this area. It may have been this fact that drew the Schaefer family to move here from the nearby 2405 Vine St. location. This family resided in this house till 1965. [Additionally, this building may have been the headquarters for the American Indian Movement during the 1960's in Milwaukee.] 1967- Marvin Bensman, Income tax office Owner: Howard Wood 1968- Donald Weedall, Soap retail and office space Owner: Howard Wood Alterations in figure 1 see gallery 1969- [Albert] Ertl, Rummage Sale Store Owner: Howard Wood 1969- Dolores Hanson, Social Club Owner: Howard Wood Alterations in figure 2 see gallery Alterations were made to the first floor, adding a parlor and game room. 1975- Roosevelt McIntyre, pool hall Owner: Nick Zaharopoulos 1977- Lee Williams, Sweet Shop Owner: Nick Zaharopoulos 1980- Leon Davis, Sweet Shop Owner: Nick Zaharopoulos 1981- Tamica Love, Sweet Shop Owner: Nick Zaharopoulos 1984- Kevin Hickles, Sweet Shop Owner: Nick Zaharopoulos 1985- Christina Meyers, Retail Owner: Nick Zaharopoulos 1991- Building condemned The building was condemned and owner Nicholas Zaharopoulos took legal action. Nicholas Zaharopoulos v. Lee C. Jensen & City Case No. 91-cv-008-018 2005- Bought by Rohnda A. Greer 2008- Muneer Bahauddeen, Artisan (ceramics) Owner: David N. Boucher The current owner has updated the house with his own personal touches, including a tile backsplash in the residential flat. His presence is really felt in the lower level ceramics studio, where he works on his own projects and holds community workshops. |
|