Officials of the Edward P. Allis Company of Milwaukee chose a site west of the city for a huge new manufacturing plant in 1900. Construction of this facility served as a catalyst in the development of the suburb of West Allis, assuring other industries of adequate rail service. In 1901, even while the Allis plant was being built, the firm merged with three others to form the Allis-Chalmers Corporation, a giant producer of heavy machinery and engines.

In 1905, the Allis-Chalmers Corporation built a clubhouse so that its West Allis employees could participate in social and recreational activities on company premises. Lunches were served for a nominal fee in three separate dining rooms: one for men, one for women and one for department heads. The latest magazines and newspapers were available in the Lounge / Reading Room. The Clubhouse was also the site of evening social activities and lectures on technical or scientific subjects.

Several architectural details such as French doors, the building’s cornerstone, arched windows and some of the facade bricks were stored for possible future use before the building was razed. A fireplace, wooden bookcases, and chandeliers from the building’s drawing room as well as other interior pieces were moved to the school’s new location at the West Allis Center.

The Milwaukee County Historical Society, according to a newspaper report at the time, was under agreement to compile a historical record of the building as well as salvage significant architectural pieces. Photos were to be taken and videotapes made of both the interiors and exteriors so that a historical record of the building would remain, according to the article. The photos and videos would be made available to local historical groups and would be used as a resource if plans eventually unfolded to bring the program back from West Allis. A scale model of the building was made and given to the County Historical Society.