To reach our next stop, walk briefly west on Wisconsin Avenue to 9th Street, then turn right (north) on 9th. Across the street is The Wisconsin Club's City Club.

Built in 1848, The Wisconsin Club’s City Club was originally the home of businessman Alexander Mitchell and his wife Martha. As the Mitchell's wealth grew, substantial upgrades and additions were made to the property. (Alexander Mitchell made his money in banking, railroads and insurance.)

In 1859 it was remodeled in the fashionable Italianate style, and in 1871 an Italian woodcarver was hired to build an enclosed Gazebo (called the Belvedere). The Belvedere can be seen on the southeast corner of the grounds. In 1872 wings were added to both sides of the building, the porch was enlarged and bay windows were installed.

In 1876 Alexander Mitchell commissioned famed architect Edward Townsend Mix to transform the home into the French Second Empire mansion seen today. European artists decorated the interior with elaborate hand-carved mahogany woodwork, stained glass, plaster and inlaid tile. The hand-carved Grand Staircase in the East Hall is adorned with twenty-four lion heads, while in the South Lounge there are over sixteen hundred hand-carved pansies on the ceiling.

The Wisconsin Club (formerly called the Deutscher Club), purchased the mansion in 1898. As a private club, the mansion is generally not open to the public. For a closer look, cross 9th Street and take a peek through the main gate on Wisconsin Avenue. (When done, cross back to the east side of 9th Street.) You can also take a virtual tour of Mitchell Mansion by tapping the button below.

When done admiring The Wisconsin Club, continue walking north on 9th Street.