It was owned by hotel magnate Walter Schroeder and designed by Holabird & Roche.

[1] Its exterior is in the simplified neo-classical style, while its interiors are Art Deco, with extensive use of hardwoods and intricate decorative metal detailing.

A 13-floor addition, designed by Kaler Slater Architects and built by Mortenson, was constructed in 2000.

[4] It was planned to serve as the headquarters hotel for the 2020 Democratic National Convention,[5] before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary closure, along with major changes to the DNC to a remote format.

[7] In June 2020, Marc Corporation permanently laid off 79 workers at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center[8] In December 2024, the hotel was renamed Hilton Milwaukee, as part of a $40 million renovation.