Terrazzo d'Luna (Terrace of the Moon)

The red paved terrace directly off the mansion is flanked by Palladian-style pavilions and is a perfect place to view the moon rise over Lake Michigan, as the name implies. Above each pavilion are sleeping porches, one off the master bedroom, and one off another bedroom (now the Dake Gallery.) A wide stone balustrade forms the terrace wall and defines the staircase down to the lawn. The terrace provides a perfect summer space for sun-loving plants in imported terracotta pots, to add beauty and to supply the former Smith family household with culinary and medicinal herbs. Lemon trees are potted on each side of the terrace doors.

This space is ideal for gathering for community events and private rentals, as its view of the lakefront is one of the best in Milwaukee.

Fun fact: In the winter, the Smiths would flood the terrace to create an ice rink for the children.

Photography by Kevin Miyazaki.