Giannis Mural

E. Wisconsin Ave Milwaukee WI

The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, larger than life.
But not by much.

In May 2022, artist Mauricio Ramirez finished painting a three-story mural of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo on the east side of the 600 EAST building. The recreation of the nearly 7-foot-tall forward towers 54 feet over downtown Milwaukee. The new mural came to life through a collaboration between the Bucks, Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District #21 and 600 EAST building owner Dan Nelson, Jr.

“As a longtime supporter and season ticket holder, we are thrilled that the Bucks and Milwaukee Downtown chose 600 EAST for this fantastic tribute to Giannis,” Nelson said during a press conference unveiling the project. “Mauricio’s artistry showing Giannis figuratively looking forward – and literally toward downtown Milwaukee, the Deer District and his Fiserv Forum home court – seems fitting for a champion who has achieved so much yet continues to strive to improve every day.”

THE ARTIST

MAURICIO RAMIREZ

Mauricio Ramirez is a painter and muralist who creates art that reflects the diverse cultures of the communities where it resides.

Ramirez was born in Berwyn, Illinois, and currently splits time between Milwaukee – where he has a studio – Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ramirez attended the University of Illinois, but says he picked up on form, art theory and color from graffiti artists growing up. Pervasive themes in his work include neighborhood, culture and diversity.

Over 100 Years of History

You’ll find as much history in the building’s construction as you will in its past tenants. Built of functional Douglas fir timber, Chicago pink brick and hand-forged steel beams, the building was once home to the Milwaukee Gas Light Company, Spencerian Business College and even the Great Circus Parade.

1912

The 600 EAST building was designed by renowned local architects Schnetzky & Sons for the Milwaukee Gas Light Company and built in 1912.

1929

By 1929, the Milwaukee Gas Light Company had outgrown the space and built a much larger building next door at 626 East Wisconsin Avenue, now known as the Gas Light Building.

1931

In 1931, the upper two stories of the building became the home of the Spencerian Business College, one of the first business schools in the nation.

1951

By 1951, the Spencerian Business College had moved out and was replaced by several tenants, including the Ambition Shoe Repair Shop and Lyon Drug Company.

1988

Many small businesses would call the building home between 1951 and 2006, including Ben Barkin, founder of the Great Circus Parade, in 1988. Barkin’s public relations firm occupied parts of the building, while the lower level housed the Great Circus Parade’s Big Toppe Shoppe.

2006

In 2006, Dan Nelson purchased the building and immediately began the renovation process. Preserving the building’s historic architecture was crucial, and an emphasis was placed on restoring the brick walls and wooden rafters. In May 2014, the 600 EAST Café & Business Center opened to the public.