Old Empire building on Wisconsin and Plankinton

The old Empire Building was built around 1898 on the northeast corner of N. Plankinton and W. Wisconsin Aves. When this photograph was taken, the Empire Café was on the ground floor; second floor tenants included a sign painter and attorneys Runkel, Runge and Wurster; and the top floor housed a printing company, a real estate and insurance agent, a dentist and the Wisconsin Humane Society. A sign between the first and second floors reads, "Henry J. Wehr". The Empire Building became the Browning Building around 1921, and was razed in 1927. The present Empire Building and Riverside Theater were then built on the site. An elaborate sign for Pabst Blue Ribbon crowns the building. In the distance at right is the Waldheim & Company building.

Plankinton & Wisconsin Ave / Dup RW 1608