Restoring City Hall and Honoring Milwaukee's Workers

On Labor Day I celebrated the City Hall Restoration Project and honored Milwaukee laborers with the dedication of the American flag over City Hall.

This important milestone marks the rebuilding of Milwaukee's historic landmark -- after 24 months of deconstruction and structural rebuilding, decorative items are now being placed back on City Hall. It begins with our American flag, and soon copper will be placed on the spire and decorative terra-cotta of architectural significance will be returned to our beautiful City Hall. The scaffolding will slowly descend as the work progress until completion in November 2008 – on time and on budget.

The flag-raising also provided a fitting tribute to workers across Milwaukee who have literally built our City from the ground up. I was proud to be joined at this special occasion by Earl Buford, Executive Director of Big Step; Darletha White, a bricklayer with J.P. Cullen & Sons, and former Big Step program participant; Lyle Balistreri, president, Milwaukee Buildings & Trades Council; and representatives from J.P. Cullen & Sons, the company performing the work.