Adaptive Reuse of a WPA-Era Resource

The former bathhouse at Doctors Park was constructed as part of a WPA project in 1939-1940.  For many decades the bathhouse provided a place to change into a swimsuit and shower off sand before heading for home. Besides looking out for those swimming in Lake Michigan, lifeguards sold concessions from the front window. The bathhouse was dedicated to George A. Tietjen, the founder of the Milwaukee County Lifeguard Corps.

The Milwaukee County’s lifeguard program ended at Doctors Park and the building was abandoned about 2000. With its former use as a bathhouse for swimmers and lifeguard office no longer needed, modification of the building for a new life is needed. You can read a few lifeguard stories.

A structural engineer has determined the building is sound and a local architect has developed a plan that preserves the building’s WPA-era esthetics and fine joinery and adapts the building for the future. The goal? Construct an open-air beach shelter/pavilion within the original footprint. 

This adaptive re-use of the beach house is an important part of an ongoing, comprehensive revitalization of Doctors Park. The shuttered bathhouse discourages full enjoyment of the lake and beach while a new beach shelter/pavilion will provide a facility specifically intended to serve the needs of beach goers today.

Future Possibilities

Redesigning the structure into an open pavilion will offer visitors a place to bring lunch and enjoy the view of Lake Michigan short of walking the beach. As an outdoor classroom, the beach house could be used for environmental education classes coordinated with beach cleanup workshops. Others may find it the perfect place to set up an easel for painting. Get involved!

Our overall goal is to enhance the experience of visiting what is one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Milwaukee County. We hope to turn our attention to this project in 2024 when we may be able to open it up to tours agains. Are you interested to get involved? Email us.

Recently, Parks has begun removing the rest of the walls that surrounded the showers that flanked the north and south sides of the structure.