The $20 million renovation of Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel, owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, is nearing completion. The property updated its ballrooms and meeting and event spaces in late 2023 and its guestrooms earlier this year.
Now, the 130-year-old hotel is updating its lobby. The domed painted ceiling, which was created in 1993 to celebrate The Pfister’s 100th anniversary, was refurbished to preserve its original design.
The Pfister once again commissioned Conrad Schmitt Studios to restore the ceiling mural—the firm that originally designed the artwork. Designed by Bernard O. Gruenke and his son Bernard E. Gruenke, the refurbishment was completed by Bernard E.’s children and several grandchildren, creating a connection to the hotel’s family legacy, tradition and history. New lighting accents the ceiling’s artwork and architecture.
Classic and Contemporary
In addition to the domed ceiling, the lobby’s other signature elements will be restored, including the original marble along the grand staircase, as well as the historic chandeliers and the fireplace, complete with original terra cotta stone. The life-size bronze lions will remain at the staircase landing while several original sculptures, statues and other artwork will be placed throughout the lobby. Each signature element will be lightly refurbished for both aesthetic and functional purposes.
The lobby will get a neutral color palette with new tailored drapery, curated antiques and new furniture designed to be reminiscent of the late 1800s. The lobby will have custom Axminister carpet with a distinct design to mimic the lobby’s architecture. The lobby bar will also include upgraded lighting and furnishings that emphasize the hotel’s historical design elements.
Event Spaces and Guestrooms
The Pfister has already completed renovations of its meeting and event spaces and historic guestrooms. Utilizing a new color palette, nearly every element of the ballrooms and meeting and event spaces were updated to include new wallcoverings, custom Axminster wool carpet, lighting and technology, tailored drapery and historic fixtures to acknowledge the hotel’s historic roots. The redesign also incorporated many elements of The Pfister’s past, including The Imperial Ballroom’s original gold-plated chandeliers and gilded ceiling as well as the Grand Ballroom’s crystal chandeliers. In addition, the prefunction area was updated to complement the renovations with added functional areas for customized guest experiences.
The Pfister's newly renovated historic guestrooms have been updated with modern takes on Victorian design and include updated furnishings, new crown molding, additional consigned works of art, plush custom carpeting and refreshed drapery and window treatments along with updated lighting. Each guestroom has a completely new bathroom with modern design amenities, Wisconsin-based Kohler Co. bathroom fixtures and mirrors with built-in lighting. All updated rooms now have a wet bar area with marble countertops and custom wood cabinets.
Information on the future phases of The Pfister’s renovation will be forthcoming.