Koehring’s Grand Central House

was built in 1892 by William Koehring, a German immigrant.

It was completed as a first-class ten-room hotel

 for traveling gentlemen offering the “finest liquors, wines and cigars”

with rooms renting for $1 per night.

In the early 1900’s, Koehring’s sons, William J. and Philip,

invented and patented the first street paver and established

the Koehring Company of Milwaukee—the

largest manufacturer of cranes and heavy construction equipment

in the world at one time. 

William J. and Philip became multi-millionaires and

prominent Milwaukee citizens. 

 Included in their circle of friends were

 Liberace and his brother, George,

who played the piano (displayed in our dining room)

when visiting the Koehring home. 

The piano had been handed down through the family

 to Mr. John Green, who has generously donated

 it to be displayed and enjoyed here in the hotel

built by his great-great grandfather. 

The Koehring building exchanged hands several times over the years. 

In 1914, the hotel  was converted into storefronts and apartments

by Mr. Philip Mueller.  In the 60’s, the building was modernized,

covered with cement stone and aluminum siding. 

 In 2001, the restoration of the “Grand Central House” was begun. 

The tower, which had been gone for over 80 years,

was rebuilt in the fall of 2002;

the exterior was completed in the fall of 2003. 

The interior is an ongoing project. 

A few of the former hotel rooms have been converted to dining rooms. 

Please make yourself at home; 

browse, ask questions, and enjoy your visit to this historic hotel.

 {Any additional pictures or information would be greatly appreciated. }