The Trade Hotel is the official hotel of Deer District, located across this lively hub for sports and entertainment. As part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the hotel emphasizes an experience rooted in local character and thoughtful design.
The hotel's design reflects Milwaukee's industrial history as one of America's key manufacturing centers through the 20th century. The Trade Hotel features rooftop restaurants, locally sourced craft bars and extra-tall rooms tailored to NBA players. Every detail is intentional, echoing the city's spirit and identity.
One of The Trade Hotel’s most notable interior features is its grand staircase. The structure draws its inspiration from the Daniel W. Hoan Memorial Bridge. The iconic yellow Hoan Bridge is a familiar sight to those crossing the highway into downtown Milwaukee. It evokes the movement and structure of the city's famed yellow landmark, echoing elements of the city’s skyline.
While the visually inviting staircase is a means to travel between floors, it also sets a tone for the hotel lobby. It offers a striking focal point for guests and a photogenic setting for events. The layered geometry adds visual movement that invites guests to take in the artistry woven into the staircase structure. To complement this architectural centerpiece, the hotel team turned to Wagner for a custom railing solution.
Wagner engineered and manufactured a custom version of its Legato post railing system to align with The Trade Hotel’s design elements. The black posts echo the structural precision of the Hoan Bridge, while the transparent glass infill mirrors the bridge’s open design. The thin post profile adds subtle details paying homage to Milwaukee’s manufacturing heritage and the depth accentuates the hotel’s sleek interior.
Key design features include:
Removing the top rail shifted more structural responsibility to the glass. Wagner engineers conducted rigorous material testing to ensure excellent safety while retaining the beauty of the design. They spaced anchors and posts with exacting accuracy to support the panels. Glass clips distributed loads and reduced stress concentrations, playing a vital role in the system’s integrity.
The design required site-specific engineering and custom anchoring solutions to ensure long-term performance and safety. Wagner's team required meticulous adherence to standards across fabrication and installation. This ensures the system can manage complex lateral loads while preserving the railing’s clean, open aesthetic.
This is a story of a local partnership, one Milwaukee-based manufacturer helping shape a new local hotel experience.
Wagner’s custom Legato glass railing system proved to be the perfect fit for The Trade Hotel’s bold architectural vision. By combining engineering precision with manufacturing expertise, Wagner delivered a solution that met complex structural requirements and elevated the staircase into a sculptural centerpiece.
Crucially, the railing also fulfills its essential purpose by providing life safety and fall protection. Engineers designed every detail to meet rigorous standards, ensuring that visual appeal never comes at the expense of safety.
The railing is both striking and refined, honoring Milwaukee’s industrial roots while complementing the hotel’s modern aesthetic.
