A recently recovered cache of architectural drawings includes plans for the original Juneau Avenue facility. The pencil drawings, along with archival photographs, demonstrate the whirlwind pace of the company’s early growth. While building an international business—going from producing just over 1,000 motorcycles in 1909 to manufacturing 27,000 motorcycles in 1920—the company’s Milwaukee factory experienced near-constant expansion. Construction through this relatively brief period created the buildings that today, a century later, are still the proud home of Harley-Davidson.

While motorcycle production ceased at the site in 1973, today the Juneau Avenue facility serves as the company’s corporate headquarters and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The facility is a highly visible, active tie to Milwaukee’s proud industrial heritage. The Juneau Avenue structure is a lasting testament to the vision and hard work of the company’s founders and its dedicated employees.

“Building a Milwaukee Icon” provides a snapshot of Harley-Davidson’s formative years and illustrates a chapter of Milwaukee history when the city was known as the “Machine Shop to the World.” 

Grab your ticket to the H-D Museum to explore the making of a Milwaukee Icon, the Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Ave. Factory opening September 6. We invite you to explore our collaboration with three Milwaukee area museums, featuring #MilwaukeeMade exhibits. 

Visit our Partner Exhibits

UWM Union Art Gallery - MKE Generations
August 26 - September 13

Grohmann - Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee
September 6 - December 22

Milwaukee Art Museum - Portraits of Milwaukee
September 6 - March 1

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