The Pfister Hotel history

1893 – Guido’s son Charles saw to the completion of the Pfister Hotel at a cost of $1.5 million, triple the original $500,000 budget.

1894: Despite its amazing facilities and amenities, The Pfister Hotel nonetheless struggled during the first few months of its existence.

Even some of the most powerful people in the nation visited at one point or another, starting with President William McKinley in 1897.

Smith diligently remodeled the hotel, opening the English Room in 1926 as a small pub serving steaks and chops.

1927 – Charles Pfister died, but not before entrusting his family’s dream to Ray Smith, a former bellboy at the hotel who had worked his way up to general manager and eventually owner.

1944 – Smith’s son Lawrence purchased the hotel.

1950: A part of the lobby was sectioned off to establish “The Columns,” a Roman-themed lounge with a centurion doorman and toga-clad waitresses.

Fast-forward to 1962, when, after over half a century of operation the Pfister was showing its age.

1966: An ornate bar called the “Crown Room” debuted inside the hotel’s new tower section, which rapidly rose to become Milwaukee’s premier nightclub over the next few decades.

1994: The Pfister Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, becoming one of its earliest members.

Paskert re-joins Millwood as CFO, executive VP July 12, 2022 9:44 am