During the turn-of-the-century, dozens of Milwaukee’s wealthy elite built their homes on the city’s west side. Schuster Mansion was designed in 1891 by the locally renowned architectural firm Crane and Barkhausen in the German Renaissance Revival style. George and his first wife, Nora, moved into the mansion. After his death, his second wife, Mary, sold the house in 1924, which was then converted to a luxury apartment building known then as the Redstone Apartments.
“The Red Castle.” A magnificent mansion built on the outskirts of Milwaukee in 1891 for a wealthy tobacco industrialist George J. Schuster. Comprised of red sandstone, red brick and trimmed in ornamental red terra cotta, it was one of most impressive residences built within the city’s affluent western reaches.
In the years following, the apartments at 3209 West Wells Street led a rather ordinary existence
while the city continued to expand around it. Many of its landlords treated the gem with the respect
it deserved, and put forth the extra effort needed to maintain it as one of the nicest buildings in the
area. However, some recognized the antique value in the stained-glass windows and other pieces of architecture, which were subsequently sold off.
Make sure that you take the Mansion Tour, so that you can learn about the History of the Mansion. As well as the many stories that Laura Sue has to share about George and his family.
More History - Again in 2001, the apartment was sold and so began the task of reconverting it to “mansion status.” Much of the mansion’s original charm was maintained despite the 1924 conversion. The suites’ bathrooms feature hexagon tiles floors, original tiled walls, as well as the tubs that were installed at that time.
History and tradition are meant to be preserved and cared for. That’s what Rick and Laura Sue bring to the Schuster Mansion. The demands from our guests are for more glorious experiences in the rooms. Our goal
is to add-on guest rooms without breaking
the large ones, or the multiple room suites tradition. It’s a careful process.