The Muellner Building
A Storied Landmark in the Heart of Wauwatosa
Nestled in along the scenic Menomonee River in Wauwatosa's Hart Park, the Muellner Building has stood as a beloved community fixture for over 80 years.
Newly-finished Muellner Building. Photo courtesy of the City of Wauwatosa
1940s Construction
The building's story begins in 1940, when construction kicked off as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a nationwide New Deal effort to provide jobs and improve public infrastructure during the Great Depression. Designed by local architect Walter Domann, the Hart Park building reflected a Colonial Revival style and was envisioned as a recreation center to serve the growing needs of Wauwatosa residents.
Multi-Generational Facilities
At the same time, the park itself was undergoing a transformation. Hart Park was originally acquired by the City of Wauwatosa in 1921, then known as “City Park.” Throughout the 1920s, the city invested in its future, adding tennis courts, playing fields, and a field house — most of them built between 1926 and 1929 through WPA initiatives. These additions helped cement the park’s role as a gathering place for the community, with the Muellner Building soon becoming one of its most iconic features.
WPA work in 1934 in Hart Park. Photo courtesy of the City of Wauwatosa
Curling at the 2025 Men's Bonspiel under the newly-restored barrel ceiling. Photo courtesy of the Wauwatosa Curling Club.
Inset: The curling newly-constructed curling rink in 1941, courtesy of Andreas Jordahl Rhude
Home of Curling in Tosa
The building's history is deeply tied to the Wauwatosa Curling Club, which was founded in 1921. Initially, club members curled outdoors, first near City Hall and then at Hart Park, braving the elements until a more permanent solution was built. That came in 1941, when the newly completed Muellner Building welcomed the club inside, also marking the arrival of Milwaukee County’s first indoor artificial ice rink. This innovation not only elevated the curling experience but positioned Wauwatosa and Wisconsin as a hub for the sport in the United States.
A New Era Begins
Over time, the bustling building saw its share of wear and tear. A renovation took place in 1999, but by the early 2020s, deferred maintenance and evolving community needs prompted a renewed push for restoration. In 2022, the Wauwatosa Common Council approved the allocation of $2 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to jumpstart a comprehensive renovation. That investment eventually grew to $5 million, with support from the city, the Wauwatosa Curling Club, and the city’s tourism commission.
Tosa Room demolition, including the removal of two ice rinks — one built on top of the other. Photo courtesy of the Wauwatosa Curling Club
The Riverview Room. Photo courtesy of the Wauwatosa Curling Club
Grand Reopening 2025
The restoration, completed in 2024–2025, was both ambitious and respectful of the building’s historic roots. Crews uncovered and restored the original barrel‑vaulted laminated pine timber ceiling in the Tosa Room, which continues to serve as the curling rink in winters from October through March. Other updates that nodded toward 1941 included reconstructed balconies, updated windows, and improved exterior masonry. Modern enhancements included solar panels, a new HVAC system, and interior upgrades that made the space far more versatile. Now, the Muellner Building boasts multiple flexible rental rooms and upgraded amenities, making it a perfect setting for weddings, baby and bridal showers, corporate events, birthday and anniversary celebrations, and public gatherings alike.
Today and Many Tomorrows
Today, the Muellner Building stands as a bridge between past and present. From its roots as a New Deal-era recreation hub to its current role as a beautifully reimagined event venue, it continues to serve as a vibrant cornerstone of the Wauwatosa community. In addition to providing beautifully restored spaces for parties and events, the building remains the home of the Wauwatosa Curling Club and the Hart Park Senior Center. Whether you're hosting a milestone celebration, attending a community event, or simply enjoying a stroll through Hart Park, the Muellner Building is ready to welcome you.
Exterior of the Muellner Building, July 2025. Photo courtesy of the Wauwatosa Curling Club