4:30PM
Meet in Lobby-Overview Exterior Façade
Architect Mark Demsky

5:00PM
Atrium-Interior Presentation

5:30-7:00PM
Drinks/Apps and Facility Tours


ABOUT THE IRON BLOCK BUILDING:  Erected in 1860-61, the Iron Block Building (Excelsior Block) was conceived as an office and bank building by James Baynard Martin. Designed by architect George H. Johnson, and built by D. D. Sibley of Milwaukee, the building is most notable for its cast iron facades, shipped by schooner from Daniel Badger’s Architectural Iron Works of New York City. After the Hassett and Chapman store adjacent to the Iron Block Building was destroyed by fire in 1898, a masonry addition was designed by the local architectural firm Crane & Barkhausen.  The building is owned by Dental Associates, and underwent a full renovation in 2013-14.

PRESENTATION:  The last remaining building with cast iron façades in Wisconsin, the Iron Block was constructed in 1860-61 using components from Daniel Badger’s Architectural Iron Works of New York City, shipped from Manhattan to its site near the Milwaukee River. Over the next century and a half, the building steadily declined; by the late 1970s, the Iron Block was a rusting hulk on the busiest corner downtown. In order to save its rare facades, a full renovation was planned and executed from 2012-2014 utilizing techniques and building methods from centuries ago coupled with the latest technology.

SPEAKER:  Mark Demsky, AIA is the in-house architect for Dental Associates, the largest family-owned group dental practice in the state of Wisconsin. In addition to designing new clinics, Mark is responsible for the remodeling of existing clinics and facilities. His experience in architecture, interiors and furniture design has helped further the company’s vision of healthcare environments.

PARKING:  The parking garage is on 250 E Wisconsin. It is a corner building and the self park entrance is on the 700 block of Broadway. People can also park at 100 E Wisconsin-the Wells Fargo building self park on Water Street. Street parking is also available. Enter at Corporate Entrance-Door on Wisconsin closest to Water Street-Look for the SEW IFMA sign.