Station 1846 was recently honored with a 2024 Mayor’s Design Award by the City of Milwaukee, recognizing its transformation from a long-forgotten service garage into a vibrant community hub in Walker’s Point.
At the heart of this project is a compelling story of adaptive reuse. Originally an aging automobile service garage, the building has been thoughtfully reimagined as a stylish co-working space, coffee shop, bar, and event venue. The vision behind Station 1846 came from the founder of MKE City Tours, who sought not only a new home base for the company’s sightseeing operations, but also a way to give back to the neighborhood through a dynamic gathering space.
With support from Galbraith Carnahan Architects, Design Theory 19, and Midwest Construction Group, the project team brought this vision to life. Together, they balanced preservation with innovation—retaining the building’s architectural character while introducing modern amenities and fresh curb appeal.
The updated façade features painted brick, glass overhead doors, and a mix of black metal siding and thermally treated wood. A sidewalk revision created room for an inviting patio, which now buzzes with activity in the warmer months, drawing residents and visitors alike.
As Mayor Cavalier Johnson noted during the awards ceremony, Station 1846 “preserves the building’s architectural legacy while introducing modern amenities that foster community connection and attract visitors.” It stands today as a powerful example of how collaborative design can activate a corner, engage a neighborhood, and reimagine the potential of overlooked spaces.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the project: Station 1846 MKE, MKE City Tours, Galbraith Carnahan Architects, Design Theory 19, and Midwest Construction Group.
