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Exploring Milwaukee and Wisconsin's Cultural and Urban Landscape

Media Advisory: Experts Available for During RNC Convention

Jul 12, 2024

3 min

Michael Carriere, Ph.D.Kurt Zimmerman, AIA, LEED AP

As the Republican National Convention 2024 approaches, journalists from across the nation and the world will converge on Milwaukee, not only to cover the political spectacle but also to uncover the rich cultural, architectural, and urban tapestry that makes this city truly unique.

Milwaukee, often referred to as the "Cream City" for its distinctive cream-coloured bricks, with many historical and contemporary narratives is waiting to be explored. To help visiting journalists navigate and understand the depth of Milwaukee's heritage and modern vibrancy, our MSOE experts are available to offer insights.


Discover the rich tapestry of Milwaukee and Wisconsin through the lens of two distinguished experts. Dr. Michael Carriere and Kurt Zimmerman bring unparalleled expertise in the fields of culture, architecture, and urban planning, offering deep insights into the region's unique historical and contemporary narratives.


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Dr. Michael Carriere

Professor, Honors Program Director


Expertise: Sustainability, American History, General Social Science, Honors Program, History, General Humanities, Student Affairs, Urban Studies


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Dr. Michael Carriere, a Professor and Honors Program Director, is an urban historian specializing in American history, urban studies, and sustainability. With a focus on the growth and challenges of Milwaukee's neighborhoods, Dr. Carriere provides valuable perspectives on urban agriculture, creative placemaking, and the Milwaukee music scene. His extensive knowledge of Milwaukee and Wisconsin history and politics makes him a key resource for understanding the region's evolving urban landscape.


“To me, it’s a no-brainer,” says Carriere, now a professor of history at Milwaukee School of Engineering and author of The City Creative: The Rise of Urban Placemaking in Contemporary America. “Cities like Louisville, like Buffalo, like Boston have really leveraged the Olmsted spaces in their cities. … The reason I’m really excited about [the bicentennial] is that this could be the chance to have useful, and in some cases uncomfortable, conversations on how public spaces should look and operate in a 21st-century city like Milwaukee.”


The Lasting Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted and His 3 Signature Milwaukee Parks

Milwaukee Magazine

April 1, 2022


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Kurt Zimmerman

Assistant Professor


Expertise: Deep Energy, Retrofit Integrated Project, Delivery Architecture, Design, Building Envelope, Building Science, Sustainability, LEED AP


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Kurt Zimmerman, an Assistant Professor, offers expertise in Milwaukee's architectural history, urban planning, and sustainable design. His insights into the city's architectural evolution and design principles contribute to a deeper appreciation of Milwaukee's unique urban fabric and sustainable development efforts.


“If you’re trying to build buildings that are meant to last, look back in history and see what is still standing. Those are your models. It’s all about build it once, build it right, build it to last. I’m very conscious of the environmental aspects of our projects, whether the clients ask for it or not.”


The Daily Reporter

October 2, 2014



For further information and to arrange interviews with our experts, please contact:


JoEllen Burdue

Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations

Phone: (414) 839-0906

Email: burdue@msoe.edu



About Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)


Milwaukee School of Engineering is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The independent, non-profit university has about 2,800 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, business and nursing. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what's possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.


Connect with:
Michael Carriere, Ph.D.

Michael Carriere, Ph.D.

Professor, Director, Honors Program

Dr. Michael Carriere is an urban historian, with expertise in American history, urban studies and sustainability.

SustainabilityAmerican HistoryGeneral Social ScienceHonors ProgramHistory
Kurt Zimmerman, AIA, LEED AP

Kurt Zimmerman, AIA, LEED AP

Assistant Professor

Kurt Zimmerman advocates for affordable sustainability, best practices and building science to advance high performance buildings.

Deep Energy RetrofitIntegrated Project DeliveryArchitectureDesignBuilding Envelope

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