Designed by Jim Shields, FAIA, the new Fitz Apartment Building at 2630 N Hackett Ave in Milwaukee has received two awards: the “Excellence in Clay Masonry Award” and the “Dennis Wilichowski Craftsmanship Award” for the top masonry buildings constructed in Wisconsin. The annual awards program is run by the Wisconsin Masonry Alliance, an organization of masonry product suppliers and masons.
The Fitz features pushed-in and pulled-out brick patterns executed in 16” long clay bricks on street-front facades and light gray concrete bricks on side and rear facades. Horizontal limestone sills become bands that belt the building.
Located in a city historic district, the project has also received the award for “Best New Building in a Historic District” from Milwaukee’s Historic Preservation Commission.