Waukesha City Hall

Completed in 2021, this building is the seat of government for the City of Waukesha. Featured in the first floor are the Council Chambers and Treasurers Office. The building is home to the City's Administrative Offices, and various departments. This property has served to house two previous city hall structures, the first built in 1914 (originally built as Waukesha Municipal Hospital) served as City Hall from 1930-1966. The second City Hall was dedicated in 1967, built just north of the "old" city hall location at this same address Delafield St.

On January 9, 1896 the citizens of Waukesha read the results of a special election in the newspapers: their village officially became a city. As some at the time said, “the biggest village in the country became the newest little city.” High on the list of reasons that village leaders brought the issue to a vote was access to state funds for road paving improvements. 

Since incorporation as a city, there have been 31 mayors, several hundred city alderpersons, and thousands of professional staff. The city government is charged with overseeing a number of vital services. The scope and number of the services have changed, grown, and increased since 1896. The 1899 city directory listed 10 major employees: Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer, Comptroller, Engineer, Attorney, Chief of Police, Chief of Fire Dept., Assessor, Heath Commissioner, and City Physician. In addition, standing committees and commissions helped regulate the city government. A visit to the city website, waukesha-wi.gov, shows the tremendous growth of the city of Waukesha since 1896. The city government also reflects the social, economic, and cultural issues of the time. Racial discrimination, gender equality, equal rights, accommodations for those with disabilities, and environmental issues, are just a few of the issues the city has taken on. The Common Council remains the heart of city government. Citizens have the right to voice concerns to a duly-elected alderperson. This basic principle has not changed. And despite the challenges faced by all of us, the city of Waukesha remains a vibrant and exciting place to live. There is no other place like Waukesha.

This property has served as the seat of city government since 1930, when the former Waukesha Municipal Hospital was put to use as City Hall. After 36 years the growing city - and by extension city departments - had outgrown the former hospital building. The second city hall building was dedicated in 1967. It was a prime example of mid-century municipal architecture, and featured a floating stair in front of a mural designed and installed by Franklin Boggs (artist-in residence at Beloit College.)

After 54 years, the city had outgrown their city hall building yet again. The current City Hall was opened in 2021 during the City's 125th Anniversary Year.