YMCA building in 1959

This photograph shows the south side of the 800 block of W Wisconsin Ave in 1959. The 5 year-old (at that time) YMCA building looms over the other, much older buildings on the street. Those buildings are home to Mears Restaurant and Schroeder's books and record store. Pedestrians walk by on the sidewalks.

Please return this photo to Municipal Reference Library, City Hall, Milwaukee 2, Wis. / Misc. 114 / Y. M. C. A. building / Streets - W. Wisconsin / This is downtown Milwaukee 1959. Tired buildings loom over the city's busy downtown streets, with few new structures. These old houses in the 800 block of W. Wisconsin av., were built before 1888. Stores just out at the street level. Farther down the street the new brick and glass central YMCA srands proudly offering hope and a touch of vitality to the neighborhood. - Journal Staff / 5-21-59 / Municipal Reference Library May 29 1959 / Photo copyright by THE MILWAUKEE JOURNAL. The following credit line MUST be underneath each reproduction of this PICTURE "Milwaukee Journal Photo". Must not be sold or syndicated nor used for advertising purposes without written permission. A $5.00 charge will be made when credit line is OMITTED.