Patio Season
VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 16
PUBLISHER JIM PLAISTED
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JORDAN DECHAMBRE
DESIGN DIRECTOR CARRIE CHAPKO
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
MOLLY SNYDER, BOBBY TANZILO STAFF WRITERS
JORDAN DECHAMBRE, CELESTE BRUNNER PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC HALVERSON MARKETING COMMITTEE
DANIELLE FUENTES, JOSH AMROZE, CARRIE ARROUET, SHAWNA BALLINGER, KATE DOWNEY, LEANN MESTER, STACEY STEINBERG, SUSAN VARELA, TRACEY WADSWORTH, MELISSA WEBER
PUBLISHED BY HISTORIC THIRD WARD ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT JOSEPH GOODE
525 E. CHICAGO ST., SUITE 102 | MILWAUKEE, WI 53202
OFFICE@HISTORICTHIRDWARD.ORG
PRINTED AND MAILED FOX CO. PRINTING
ADVERTISING CONTACT JPLAISTED@HISTORICTHIRDWARD.ORG
THERE’S SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE AND EXPERIENCE THIS SEASON IN THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD! It’s the 50th anniversary of the HTWA; this milestone is a celebration of everyone who has helped shape the Historic Third Ward into the dynamic destination it is today.
The neighborhood culture has been created by the people who bring it to life every day. It’s created by local artists who share their talents and creativity; and entrepreneurs who create memorable experiences within their businesses through exceptional hospitality, unique shopping, and amazing dining. From nearly 30 galleries and outdoor art installations to live music, festivals, local boutiques and an incredible culinary scene, we’re surrounded by unmistakable talent and ingenuity.
I hope this issue of THREE inspires you to explore the rich culture and vibrant commerce that make the Historic Third Ward unlike anywhere else. Thank you for celebrating with us — and here’s to the next 50 years!
DANIELLE FUENTES, GROUP ACCOUNT MANAGER, BOELTER + LINCOLN CHAIR, HTWA MARKETING COMMITTEE
Whip itgood!
FEATURED
ON THE COVER: THE NEAR AND FAR SCULPTURE IN CATALANO SQUARE, GAZING DOWN BROADWAY.
Mark your calendar for Gallery Night MKE, summer festivals, the Third Ward Moon Festival, music, performing arts & more!
There’s always something happening in the Historic Third Ward. The best way to stay in the know? Become a Historic Third Ward Association member!
From galleries and studios to public art and performing arts, creativity has shaped the identity of the Historic Third Ward for more than five decades.
The latest neighborhood news of note — from new business openings and milestones to an incredible mural coming to the Third Ward.
5 more places that tell the story of the Third Ward’s past 50 years.
OPEN Wednesday – Sunday
LIVE MUSIC Thursday – Saturday experience milwaukee’s favorite beer garden
Located in the heart of the Third Ward! Sip on local craft beers, wine, cocktails, and unwind with live music.
ideal for your next event
Gather your team at the Beer Garden-it’s a fun spot for team building or networking activities. Good times and great vibes await your group!
Music Bingo Every Wednesday
Bring your friends and play this free, entertaining and popular twist on traditional bingo.
third ward beer garden catalano square 147 n broadway, milwaukee wed - fri: 3pm-9pm sat: noon-9pm • sun: noon-6pm craft beer | cocktails | wine
LiveMusic LiveMusic
OCTOBER
UPCOMING EVENTS SUMMER 2026
THIRD WARD MOON FESTIVAL
AUGUST 7-9
In celebration of the Historic Third Ward Association’s 50th anniversary, enjoy three days of live music, dance, visual art, wellness experiences — and the out-of-this-world Museum of the Moon floating sculpture above Catalano Square. (PS: read all about the festival on P. 19 of this issue!) historicthirdward.org/third-wardmoon-festival
GERMAN FEST
JULY 24-26
At the largest German festival in the United States, you have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic German cuisine, lively entertainment, a dachshund derby, dancing und so much more along our beautiful lakefront. germanfest.com
MILWAUKEE AIR & WATER SHOW
JULY 25-26
Spectate the thrill of aerial acrobatics at one of the nation’s top air shows from the Milwaukee Lakefront at this free and open to the public event. mkeairwatershow.com
MUSEUM OF THE MOON BY LUKE JERRAM. PICTURED: “LIGHTS ON ROMANIA” EXHIBIT.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUMMER 2026
RIVERWALK
COMMONS CONCERT SERIES
JULY 28, AUG. 11 & 25, SEPT. 8 & 22
Live beats and great eats are only steps away on select Tuesday nights this summer. The Riverwalk Commons Concert Series is a free event, celebrating local music, food and community. The music kicks off at 6 p.m., with a pre-show Happy Hour at 5 p.m. — offering drink specials from the Milwaukee Public Market’s Shipping Container Bar and Draft & Vessel’s vintage RK’d van. milwaukeepublicmarket.org/event/ upcoming-events
BLACK ARTS FEST MKE
AUG. 1
Celebrate the deep roots of African Heritage and the creativity of Black Cultural Arts at this dynamic ethnic festival. Bring the whole family for kids activities, cultural talent showcases including poetry readings and live reggae, music from local and national artists and more. blackartsfestmke.com
LIVE MUSIC AT AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE
AMPHITHEATER AND BMO PAVILION
VARIOUS DATES
Light up your Milwaukee summer with world-class talent at Henry Maier Festival Park’s BMO Pavilion and American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Catch shows from the Goo Goo Dolls, Brad Paisley, Five Finger Death Punch, RUFUS DU SOL, Bryson Tiller and more. milwaukeeworldfestival.com/find-events/ calendar
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL COMMUNITY
PARK FAMILY FUN DAYS
AUG. 9 & SEPT. 13
Bring the kiddos to the Northwestern Mutual Community Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on select Sundays for the ultimate play date. Enjoy familyfriendly programming, food & drink options and interactive activities.
milwaukeeworldfestival.com
IRISH FEST
AUG. 13-16
Ditch the flight and transport yourself to Ireland from the shores of Lake Michigan at Irish Fest: Live music from Irish, Scottish and Irish American artists, cultural activities, authentic food and endless craic at Henry Maier Festival Park. irishfest.com
MILWAUKEE MORNINGS
AUG. 13, SEPT. 10 & OCT. 8
Get together with fellow professionals, students and community members for insightful talks from Milwaukee leaders across myriad industries at this free event on the second floor of the Milwaukee Public Market.
milwaukeepublicmarket.org/events/ milwaukee-mornings
WORLD’S LARGEST COFFEE BREAK
AUG. 18
As part of Downtown Employee Appreciation Week and sponsored by Healthpeak, we’re brewing the ultimate caffeine boost. Taste your way through local coffee shops’ free offerings and don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of free donuts! It’s all happening in Catalano Square, 9-10:30 a.m.
RIVERWALK COMMONS CONCERT SERIES
IRISH FEST
MEXICAN FIESTA
AUG. 21-23
Mexican Fiesta brings the sound, culture and taste of México to Milwaukee’s lakefront with three days of fun, food, Mariachi and fiesta for everyone. mexicanfiesta.org
PULSE - A HEALTH & WELLNESS FEST
AUG. 29
Milwaukee’s largest outdoor fitness and wellness event returns! Everyone from fitness enthusiasts to those just beginning their wellness journey can explore more than 40 group classes, live cooking demonstrations, and myriad opportunities to engage with over 50 local and national health, wellness and fitness organizations. www.milwaukeeworldfestival.com/pulse
WILDFLOWERS ON THE WATER
AUG. 30
Visit Lakeshore State Park for its fourth annual Wildflowers on the Water from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include local musicians; a sound bowl healing experience; goat yoga; wildflowers-inspired canvas art; and activities for people of all ages — led by artists and creators who are passionate about the work of Friends of Lakeshore State Park. friendslsp.org/events
MARSHALL BUILDING ART CRAWL
SEPT. 5 & 6
Explore seven floors of creative spaces in the Marshall Building this Labor Day weekend: Peruse artist studios, galleries and other creative businesses to shop and connect over myriad practices including painting, photography, printmaking and many more. General hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
THIRD WARD ART FESTIVAL
SEPT. 5 & 6
Get inspired! The Third Ward Art Festival returns Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5 and 6. The festival will showcase the work of over 200 juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums including ceramics, fiber, glass jewelry, sculpture, mixed media, paintings, drawings, photography, printmaking, wood and furniture. In addition to the incredible artwork available for purchase, attendees will be able to interact with artists through demonstrations and booth chats. Fun for the entire family, the festival features an interactive kid’s art tent, face painting, live music on two stages, and great food and drink options from neighboring restaurants and festival food vendors. amdurproductions.com/new-third-wardart-festival/
LABOR FEST
SEPT. 7
Free and open to the public, enjoy a day of fun at Henry Maier Festival Park with the Milwaukee Area Labor Council. The event includes live music for adults and families, children’s entertainment like science and magic shows, a classic car show and union raffle. milwaukeelabor.org/laborfest
TRAYF
SEPT. 16-OCT. 4
In 1990s New York City, Orthodox Jewish teens and lifelong best friends Zalmy and Shmuel are intent on saving the world from behind the wheel of their “Mitzvah Tank” van. But when a curious outsider deepens Zalmy’s interest in the secular world of rock and roll and roller skates, Shmuel will have to do everything in his power to keep his and Zalmy’s dreams intact. nextact.org
LAKESHORE STATE PARK
THIRD WARD ART FESTIVAL
GATHER: A LONG TABLE DINNER
SEPT. 17
Gather is an alfresco, long table dinner celebrating cuisine, culture and community in the heart of the Historic Third Ward. In its fifth anniversary year, this elevated event showcases a variety of Third Ward restaurants and bars, as well as live entertainment nestled into the historic Pritzlaff building courtyard. historicthirdward.org/annual-events
MAYBE WE’LL FLY
SEPT. 18-OCT. 11
From award-winning playwright Marie Kohler and Tony-nominated composer Josh Schmidt comes this wildly theatrical and richly poetic world premiere play, with music inspired by the life and work of legendary Wisconsin outsider artist Mary Nohl. milwaukeechambertheatre.org
FRESHWATER FOOD & WINE
FESTIVAL
SEPT. 19-20
Set along Lake Michigan at Henry Maier Festival Park, the inaugural Freshwater Food & Wine Festival celebrates world-class wines, craft beverages, and culinary artistry with stunning waterfront views. From celebrity chefs to local favorites, tasting events, chef challenges, entertainment and more, savor the best of the best in the Midwest. fwfoodandwine.com
GYPSY
SEPT. 25-OCT. 18
One of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals, Gypsy is a musical fable of ambition, family, and the cost of fame. Follow a determined stage mother as she pushes her daughters toward stardom, all while longing for her own spotlight. As vaudeville fades and burlesque rises in the American 1920s-1930s, this landmark musical, considered one of the greatest of all time, captures grit, glamour, and humor of show business. skylightmusictheatre.org
DOORS OPEN MILWAUKEE
SEPT. 26-27
Doors Open Milwaukee is a public celebration of Milwaukee’s neighborhoods, architecture, and history. This event offers behind the scenes tours of commercial buildings, art galleries, urban gardens and more throughout Milwaukee’s downtown and neighborhoods. historicmilwaukee.org/doors-open/
MILWAUKEE LAKEFRONT MARATHON
OCT. 3-4
From Cudahy to the north shore, the Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon offers courses (5k run or walk, half-marathon, full marathon) to everyone from the seasoned competitor to casual joggers. Join in on the fun or spectate along the routes. milwaukeelakefrontmarathon.org
GALLERY NIGHT MKE
OCT. 16-17
Gallery Night MKE unites downtown Milwaukee through art at 50-plus venues throughout the downtown Milwaukee area. Experience the city’s vast creative culture while you discover local galleries, art and artists at this free, two-day art event. gallerynightmke.com
GALLERY NIGHT MKE
GREAT WHITE THRONE
OCT. 18-NOV. 8
A darkly comic examination of power and inheritance, following a pastor’s wife as she collides with the limits, expectations, and hypocrisies of public ministry. In her darkest hour, she comes face to face with the last person she wants to see, igniting a reckoning with faith, influence, and the cost of living a life on display. rtwmke.org
THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING EXCITING POPPING UP IN THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD.
The best way to stay up to date? Check out our Happenings page often on historicthirdward.org, we update it almost daily! Scan the QR code to explore all current and upcoming events in the neighborhood.
THE SCENE
There’s always something happening in the Historic Third Ward. The best way to stay in the know? Become a Historic Third Ward Association (HTWA) member!
From exclusive member perks to members-only events and key communication that keeps you up to date on new business openings, neighborhood news and so much more, membership for residents and businesses is your inside access.
Scan the QR code or visit htwa.wildapricot.org/ join-us to enjoy the benefits of membership today!
1. THREE Release Party at Skylight Music Theatre
The soft launch of the HTWA’s 50th anniversary celebration started with a bang at Skylight Music Theatre, where we released the Spring 2026 edition of THREE Magazine. HTWA members joined us for a look back at the past 50 years, Third Ward-themed drinks, cookies featuring our 50th anniversary logo (designed by our friends at Boelter + Lincoln), as well as performances of Broadway showtunes from the talented staff of Skylight.
2. Spring Gallery Night MKE
Gallery Night MKE refreshed art lovers with creative inspiration at over 60 venues, a record for the spring event. On April 17-18, guests art-hopped through the Historic Third Ward,
Walker’s Point, East Town and surrounding neighborhoods to explore myriad creative spaces and places.
3. Happy Hour at Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria
We kicked off the season of outdoor member events in late May with an HTWA member happy hour at Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria. Blue Bat’s riverfront restaurant offered a sunny setting for an evening of connection for members and HTWA staff.
4. HTWA Annual Meeting
a. As the official kick off of the HTWA’s 50th anniversary celebration, the 2026 Annual Meeting at The Journeyman Hotel was a can’t miss event: Guests enjoyed mouth-
PHOTO BY FRANK JUAREZ/ARTDOSE MAGAZINE
watering light bites from the talented chefs at Tre Rivali, as well as a complimentary rooftop champagne toast, live music from Joe Wray, instant photos, a special gift and gorgeous rooftop views of downtown Milwaukee.
b. The HTWA was honored to receive a mayoral proclamation from Mayor Cavalier Johnson (shown here with HTWA Board President Joe Goode) and Common Council resolution from Alderman Bob Bauman in recognition of 50 years of the HTWA.
5. Public Safety Meeting
The HTWA and Downtown Neighbors Association (DNA) joined forces to host the annual spring public safety meeting on
the second floor of the Milwaukee Public Market. Attendees heard crime and safety report and trends from Alderman Bob Bauman and Milwaukee Police Department District 1 Captain Robert Thiel, as well as updates from the leadership of the HTWA and Business Improvement District #2.
6. Shop, Sip & Savor
The inaugural Shop, Sip & Savor featured nearly 40 Third Ward shops, restaurants, bars and galleries holding special activations — from sales and DJ sets, to tasting experiences and live painting — on May 30 and 31. This event drew hundreds of people to the Historic Third Ward, where attendees shopped, sipped and savored their way through the neighborhood.
QUICK BITES
THE LATEST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS OF NOTE
By Molly Snyder and Jordan Dechambre
THIRD WARD MOON FESTIVAL
The sky’s the limit! In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Historic Third Ward Association (HTWA) will transform the neighborhood into a three-day cultural experience — the Third Ward Moon Festival — August 7-9.
Anchoring the festival will be Museum of the Moon, a breathtaking installation by UK artist Luke Jerram that has captivated more than 30 million people
around the world. Measuring 23 feet in diameter, the illuminated sculpture features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface.
The installation’s return to Catalano Square marks a full-circle moment for the neighborhood. Museum of the Moon first appeared in the Third Ward in 2019 (shown above) through a collaboration between Black Box Fund (now Joy Engine) and the HTWA, introducing thousands of visitors to the power of large-scale public art.
“THE THIRD WARD MOON FESTIVAL IS ABOUT CREATING A SENSE OF WONDER, BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER UNDER A SHARED EXPERIENCE THAT FEELS BOTH INTIMATE AND EXPANSIVE IN THE HEART OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD,” SAYS JIM PLAISTED, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HTWA.
As part of its 2026 international tour, Museum of the Moon will visit major cultural events in the United Kingdom; Munich, Germany; and Vienna,
Austria, with Milwaukee serving as its only United States stop for the foreseeable future.
Beyond the installation itself, the Third Ward Moon Festival will extend throughout Catalano Square, Menomonee Street and the 100 block of Broadway, creating a walkable celebration of art, culture, and community. Across three days, visitors can experience live music, dance, fashion, visual art, wellness activities, family-friendly programming, and more — all reflecting the creativity and character of the Historic Third Ward.
The festival kicks off Friday, Aug. 7, at 5 p.m. with a celebration featuring welcome remarks, a special performance by Milwaukee’s own Hittaz Drum Line, and a moon-themed medley from Skylight Music Theatre. DJ Kenny Perez, Wisconsin Space Program, Edessa School of Fashion in collaboration with the Florentine Opera, and local musician Dak DuBois will continue the evening’s festivities.
Saturday, Aug. 8, celebrates the neighborhood’s creative roots with a full day of family-friendly programming. Cosmic Kids Morning will feature music from Radio Milwaukee’s DJ Dori Zori and glow-in-the-dark painting experiences led by artists Neto Atkinson and Louie Brewer. Guests can also explore live chalk art installations along Broadway, a mini-lesson and pop-up performance from Milwaukee Ballet dancers, and music by Irish Fest artists Sarah Sheehan and Kevin Shortall. The evening will feature DJ Ku Mays, and a headline performance by a Milwaukee favorite, De La Buena.
The festival concludes Sunday, Aug. 9, with a focus on mindfulness, wellness, and community connection. Visitors can enjoy a Moonlit Marketplace featuring Good Land Massage, Mobile Mini Trucks, Brew City Blooms, Bolt Babes Permanent Jewelry & Fine Line Tattoos, Honeybee Sage & Wellness, henna artist Priti Lala, tintype photography by Margaret Muza, and more. Pleinair painting and wood carving by JK Art House will bring an additional creative element to the park throughout the day.
Sunday’s music lineup includes smooth jazz trumpet artist Nathan Mayfield, the Marcya
Danielle Trio, and the Will Carter Jazz Quartet, before Mama Digdown’s Brass Band closes out the festival. The jazz performances are curated by Fresh Coast Jazz Festival in homage to the Third Ward’s former Summer Sizzle jazz festival.
Guests are also encouraged to explore the neighborhood’s galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and public spaces throughout the weekend, with the Third Ward Beer Garden open for extended hours during the celebration. General festival hours are 5-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Museum of the Moon will remain illuminated throughout the festival, offering opportunities for both daytime exploration and evening viewing.
The Third Ward Moon Festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, with support from Laffey, Leitner & Goode LLC and the Third Ward Beer Garden. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit historicthirdward.org/ third-ward-moon-festival.
50TH ANNIVERSARY COLLABORATIONS
The HTWA is celebrating its 50th anniversary with collaborations that highlight the neighborhood’s creativity, history and community spirit.
In June, the HTWA partnered with Colectivo Coffee Roasters to introduce Third Ward Blend — a medium-roast coffee featuring an exclusive bag design inspired by Milwaukee’s historic arts and commerce district.
Available through Labor Day weekend at two Colectivo Coffee locations — the Third Ward café at 223 E. St. Paul Ave. and the Foundry café at 170 S. 1st St. — the limited-edition bags celebrate the neighborhood’s history, creativity, and vibrant community.
The medium roast blends coffees from Brazil, Sumatra, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, featuring notes of chocolate and orange peel. Enjoyed on its own or served as espresso, it offers coffee lovers a chance to take home a taste of the Third Ward.
“We’re excited to celebrate the Historic Third Ward’s milestone anniversary with a special package design and blend that honors the character and history of this iconic Milwaukee neighborhood,” said Marissa Worzella, Director of Marketing at Colectivo Coffee Roasters.
“THE THIRD WARD HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE COME TOGETHER, AND WE’RE PROUD TO BE PART OF THAT STORY.”
Doble, co-owner of the Explorium Hospitality Group. “We’re grateful to be a small part of its past, present, and future.”
Also joining the anniversary lineup is Third Ward Heirloom, a limited-edition candle created in collaboration with Broadway Paper and Milwaukee-based handmade soaps and body care company Fern & Nettle. The candle pays tribute to the Italian American culture and bustling produce markets that once defined the Third Ward.
With notes of tomato leaf, basil, rosemary, and sage, the scent is inspired by the neighborhood’s heritage and community. Third Ward Heirloom is available exclusively at Broadway Paper, 191 N. Broadway, while supplies last.
MILESTONES
The celebration continues with Three Cheers Lager, an exclusive beer collaboration between the HTWA and Explorium Brewpub, 143 W. St Paul Ave. The limited-edition brew will be unveiled at the July 23 HTWA Member BBQ, and features a custom-designed Third Ward-themed can created by local designer Chris Underwood of Underwood Design.
“The Historic Third Ward has been home to our brewpub and an incredible part of our story. It’s an honor to brew a beer celebrating the Association’s 50th Anniversary and the people, businesses, and vision that have made this neighborhood one of Milwaukee’s most vibrant destinations,” says Mike
Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, 316 N. Milwaukee St., is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year: 40 years of creating change for women, girls, and genderexpansive individuals.
Founded in 1986 by 36 pioneering visionaries and mothers, the organization was created with a mission that remains just as relevant today — funding and supporting initiatives that protect rights, remove barriers, and advance gender equity.
“Today, that sounds so simple and routine, though at the time, this was revolutionary,” says
THREE CHEERS LAGER LABEL ARTWORK
COLECTIVO COFFEE’S THIRD WARD BLEND
Lisa Attonito, Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee.
Over the past four decades, the organization has awarded grants, provided advocacy, hosted community conversations, facilitated book discussions, and created opportunities for learning and connection — all with the goal of advancing equality and supporting women’s well-being.
The impact extends beyond financial support. Many grant recipients describe gaining confidence, setting stronger boundaries, and feeling empowered to take meaningful steps forward.
“(Recipients) talk about the confidence they have, they do less apologizing and they have clearer boundaries; a stronger sense of what is important to them,” says Attonito. “Many describe feeling more decisive and more willing to take risks.”
The organization’s work also resonates with its supporters, who see their contributions as an investment in lasting change.
“When people give to the Women’s Fund, it connects them to something larger than themselves,” says Attonito.
“IT FEELS DIFFERENT TO GIVE TO THE WOMEN’S FUND BECAUSE WE ARE DEEPENING KNOWLEDGE, TALKING ABOUT THE ISSUES DIRECTLY, WORKING TO REMOVE OBSTACLES, AND GETTING TO THE ROOT CAUSE OF A PROBLEM. WE ARE CONVENING AND CONNECTING PEOPLE.”
At a time when gender equity continues to face challenges, the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee’s commitment remains steadfast. “We are here, we are committed, and we will continue our work on gender equity,” says Attonito.
Rather than marking the occasion with a single event, the Belgian-inspired café will celebrate throughout the year with special programming, experiences, and thoughtful touches that reflect the spirit of the business.
“You’ll see us sprinkle a little extra gezellig throughout the entire year — from large events like our Belgian Bier Fest and our World Cup celebrations, to smaller touches that guests may notice in service, programming, bier experiences, and the energy in our spaces,” says Chief Creative Officer Ileana Rivera.
While much has changed since Café Benelux opened, one thing has remained constant: its commitment to people and connection.
“THE HEART OF THE BUSINESS IS THE PEOPLE. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN OUR STAFF AND OUR GUESTS IS STILL EVERYTHING TO US. HOSPITALITY HAS ALWAYS BEEN PERSONAL HERE,” SAYS RIVERA.
Speaking of anniversaries, award-winning neighborhood restaurant DanDan, located at 360 E. Erie St., turns 10 in 2026. A modern ChineseAmerican restaurant with a Midwestern sensibility, DanDan is owned by chefs Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite. Since opening on July 29, 2016, the restaurant has become known for favorites including savory noodles, dumplings, crab rangoon, Mongolian beef, and General Tso’s cauliflower.
This summer, 15 candles will blaze atop Café Benelux’s mattentaart as the Third Ward eatery celebrates a decade and a half of hospitality at 346 N. Broadway.
After a decade of DanDan, Jacobs says the feeling that stands out most is pride — especially pride in the people who have helped shape the restaurant.
LISA ATTONITO OF THE WOMEN’S FUND OF GREATER MILWAUKEE
“I’m so proud of the people – always the people,” says Jacobs. “It’s been so great to watch our growth, both in those who have been part of the teams and our guests over the years.
NEWS OF NOTE
A new public art initiative comes to life this summer with “Portal to the Past.” This Commission House Mural Project will preserve the historic Lo Duca Bros. ghost sign while creating a large-scale mural that celebrates the neighborhood’s rich history and evolution.
After interviewing dozens of artists, the committee selected Milwaukee artist and MIAD graduate John Kowalczyk to bring the vision to life, with painting expected to begin later this summer.
Kowalczyk’s design features a palette of teal, muted greens, and wine reds — and connects the neighborhood’s past and present through imagery inspired by the Third Ward’s history. The mural will include produce-market vendors, wine, and Lo Duca musical instruments, including accordions and guitars.
“ALL OF THE IMAGERY CELEBRATES THE RESILIENT SPIRIT THAT REBUILT THIS NEIGHBORHOOD AFTER THE GREAT MILWAUKEE FIRE OF 1892,” SAYS MARY SCHANNING, COMMISSION HOUSE MURAL COMMITTEE MEMBER AND CONDO BOARD MEMBER.
At the time of publication, the Commission House Mural Committee had secured $97,000 in donations toward its $153,000 fundraising goal. Once completed, the mural will be visible from street level, the I-794 freeway, downtown vantage points, and nearby office and residential buildings facing the Historic Third Ward.
The project has a fiscal partnership with ArtWorks for Milwaukee and reflects a shared mission of empowering Milwaukee youth through paid internships, public art opportunities, and mental health advocacy.
“Portal to the Past will change the skyline,” says Schanning.
Both the team and surroundings at Third Ward Dental recently received an upgrade — and new owner Dr. Sarah Blair couldn’t be happier.
Located inside the historic Phoenix Building at 219 N. Milwaukee St., the practice received new window treatments, fresh paint, warmer
COMMISSION HOUSE MURAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS LAURA WING (LEFT) AND MARY SCHANNING (RIGHT) WITH ARTIST JOHN KOWALCZYK
lighting, and additional greenery as part of a refresh designed to create a more welcoming environment for patients.
“We wanted to bring in more natural light, create a more welcoming and relaxing space for our patients, and bring more nature inside,” says Blair, who owns the business with her husband, Mark.
The practice also updated its technology and added Invisalign as a service. For Blair, dentistry combines creativity, science, and connection.
“I LOVE BEING A DENTIST BECAUSE IT COMBINES ART, SCIENCE, AND SERVICE. I ENJOY HELPING PATIENTS FEEL COMFORTABLE, FINDING SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX DENTAL PROBLEMS, AND GIVING PATIENTS
THE CONFIDENCE TO SMILE AGAIN,” SAYS BLAIR.
Tax Incremental District #56, the financing engine behind the neighborhood’s RiverWalk and other public infrastructure improvements, is funding $30 million of public right of way and park improvements — and the first results are already on the ground.
Cyclists rolling through the Ward this summer will notice the difference immediately. New bikeways along Jefferson Street and Corcoran Avenue are complete, part of a broader network designed to link Eastown via the pedestrian tunnel beneath I-794 with the Broadway Bridge, Walker’s Point, and the KK River Trail beyond. The project also built bioswales that will help manage stormwater and provide additional greenspace plantings.
The redesign and reconstruction of Water Street (between the river and Clybourn Street) is next in line. Its redesign will reshape the corridor with an eye towards pedestrian safety, slower traffic, and new greenspace— is nearing plan completion. The City expects the plans to head out for bid later this summer, setting the stage for construction in 2027.
Perhaps the most anticipated change sits at the neighborhood’s social heart: Catalano Square. A longtime gathering spot for residents, office workers, and Third Ward events, the square is slated for a full redevelopment beginning in the fall of 2026 or early 2027.
Taken together, the projects mark a steady, deliberate investment in the Ward’s public spaces. Proof that even a neighborhood redeveloped over the last 50 years into an “overnight success” still has room to grow.
NOW OPEN
After initially opening in the former Lily Pad | West space, JK Art House reopened at the end of May in its new home at 191 N. Broadway, the former MARN Art + Culture Hub location.
The gallery focuses on contemporary abstract and representational fine art from approximately 55 regional, national, and international living artists and will present eight or more curated exhibitions annually.
“YOU’LL FIND LANDSCAPES, FIGURATIVE WORK, ABSTRACT REALISM, POINTILLISM, EXPRESSIONISM, SURREALISM, TONALISM, AND PIECES THAT REFLECT THE NATURAL WORLD,” SAYS JULIA TAYLOR, WHO OWNS THE GALLERY WITH KAREN ELLENBECKER.
Together, Taylor and Ellenbecker created a gallery designed to feel approachable and welcoming for both experienced collectors and first-time visitors.
“JK Art House was founded on the belief that art changes how we see the world, and that access to great art shouldn’t feel intimidating,” says Taylor. “We work closely to help people find the right
MARK KETTERHAGEN (LEFT) AND DR. SARAH BLAIR OF THIRD WARD DENTAL
piece of artwork, help them hang it, and even rearrange their existing art.”
Helping All Mankind (H.A.M.), a Blackowned streetwear brand and philanthropic movement, recently opened at 316 N. Milwaukee St. inside the Landmark Building.
Founder and designer Darvin Ham Jr. chose the name to reflect both his last name and the brand’s mission: Helping All Mankind.
The community-focused storefront currently features custom-branded hats and T-shirts while serving as a hub for civic engagement and outreach throughout Milwaukee. Past initiatives have included creating snack kits, sorting donations at local food banks, collecting hygiene products, organizing coat drives, hosting Thanksgiving meal giveaways, supporting literacy efforts, and planting flags for Memorial Day.
For Ham, giving back has always been part of his story.
“Growing up, I was raised in a family that deeply valued giving back,” says Ham, who is originally from North Atlanta, Georgia.
“WHETHER IT WAS VOLUNTEERING AT HOMELESS SHELTERS, SENIOR CENTERS, COMMUNITY PROJECTS, OR SUPPORTING YOUTH PROGRAMS, I WAS TAUGHT EARLY ON THAT HELPING OTHERS ISN’T JUST A CHOICE — IT’S A CALLING.”
DARVIN HAM JR. OF HELPING ALL MANKIND
THE ART OF THE MATTER
FROM GALLERIES AND STUDIOS TO PUBLIC ART AND PERFORMING ARTS, CREATIVITY HAS SHAPED THE IDENTITY OF THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD FOR MORE THAN FIVE DECADES
By Bobby Tanzilo of OnMilwaukee.com
The Historic Third Ward is multifaceted, with shopping, nightlife, summer festivals and a celebrated dining scene. But one could argue that, above all, the arts define the neighborhood.
Adorned with murals, sculptures and other public art, the Third Ward is also rich in galleries, artists’ studios, art events, performing arts groups and
even the city’s only dedicated art college. It is also the headquarters of the popular Gallery Night MKE (produced by the HTWA), which will be celebrating 40 years of uniting the city through art in 2027.
“The Third Ward feels synonymous with art,” says Susan Varela, executive director of Skylight Music Theatre.
This creative base draws visitors, art lovers and customers to the Third Ward, who in turn further fuel the creative base. It’s a virtuous circle.
“Being seen as an arts district influences the area in many ways, some very subtle, others obvious,” says Mark Lawson, former director of galleries at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
(MIAD). “Many decisions on buildings and interior appearances are made with this in mind.
“FOR ARTS BUSINESSES, THE SENSE OF BEING THERE IN THE MIDST OF THE AREA’S CREATIVITY IS MOTIVATING
AND INSPIRING. THE CHARACTER OF THE PLACE ITSELF IS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN BE DONE IF CREATIVITY IS A CENTRAL FOCUS.”
So, how did an industrial district full of warehouses, light manufacturing businesses and produce wholesalers become one of the artsiest neighborhoods in Milwaukee?
The roots go back to the early 1960s, when a number of local restaurants began to display the work of local artists on their walls, serving as de facto galleries. But things didn’t really begin to take off until the 1970s, when the arrival of MIAD gave the area’s nascent creative culture a needed boost.
When the Layton School of Art closed in 1974, a group of its faculty created Milwaukee School of the Arts (later renamed MIAD) and rented space, joining the Sax & Wasserman design firm, at 207 N. Milwaukee St.
Board member John Komives told a reporter at the time that the Ward was the perfect location. “We want the students immersed in this kind of ambience (amidst small businesses). This way, the student will be able to learn about art and free enterprise at the same time.”
Because the district had a number of small art and design firms, Komives added, “it’s where they would be looking for jobs anyway after graduation.”
The following year, the Creative Photography Workshop, launched in January 1975 by Murray Weiss and Bob Lewis, shared space with MIAD before moving to 250 N. Water St. and changing its name to Milwaukee Center for Photography.
In 1976, forced out of his old studio on 3rd and State streets in 1975 by the fire that destroyed the Metropolitan Block, noted potter Abe Cohn moved his Potters Wheel atelier and gallery into the MIAD building, too.
This series of small, incremental steps continued over the following decade.
Then, when Judith Posner moved her gallery from Port Washington Road to the same building in 1985, it ignited a chain reaction.
In the following years, Dean Jensen and Katie Gingrass rented space on Broadway, and D/ Erlein Fine Arts opened on Milwaukee Street, leading Milwaukee Journal Sentinel art critic James Auer to write, “The old Third Ward ... is becoming a powerhouse of privately owned galleries. As might be expected, the Third Ward art galleries are developing a number of joint strategies to consolidate their position. Shared mailings are under consideration, as is an advertising campaign in the national art press.”
There was more to come, including Galerie Art Today! and H2O Gallery on Water Street, Tory Folliard on Milwaukee Street, and Picture Perfect on Broadway, to name a few other relatively early arrivals.
“In 2000, we let a cohort of MIAD-affiliated artists use the Rust Spot — the building the BID owned at 346 N. Broadway — to participate in Gallery Night, showing experimental work in juxtaposition to what was then on view in most of the commercial galleries,” recalls former HTWA Executive Director Nancy O’Keefe.
Performing arts were – and remain – an important part of the creative fabric of the Ward, too, with Theatre X, Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre and others leading the charge.
The construction of the Broadway Theatre Center in 1993 marked another major leap forward for the neighborhood.
“The creation of the Broadway Theatre Center was truly a catalyst for the reinvigoration and development of the Third Ward,” Varela says. “By bringing audiences, artists and energy into the area consistently over decades, the Broadway Theatre Center and Skylight Music Theatre itself helped establish the Third Ward as an arts and culture destination, and laid groundwork for the vibrant neighborhood we experience today.”
MIAD would later raise the profile even further.
“MIAD made a brilliant decision in the early 1990s to purchase its current building, adding to its survivability through many different periods of its history,” Lawson recalls. “Its alumni have started several galleries and businesses in the Third Ward, and its students, staff and faculty have made an impact in many ways.
“These include creating art and design work visible in the area, participating in neighborhood events, and serving on various governance and planning committees.”
The Marshall Building has also been a boon to the arts, with dozens of galleries and studios across its six floors on the corner of Buffalo and Water Streets. Owner Bob DeToro says that such an intense concentration of artists creates a unique atmosphere.
“About 25 years ago, we began actively increasing the art presence by adding galleries and studios to underutilized areas of the building
whenever possible,” DeToro says.
“WE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO CONNECT WITH SOME INCREDIBLY TALENTED PEOPLE EARLY ON, AND THINGS SPIRALED FROM THERE.”
“We are now home to so many creative tenants: artists, galleries, creators, designers, photographers and so many other incredibly talented office users. The building has a lively, charged vibe, and everyone just feeds off of each other.”
In terms of events, nothing has done more for the art scene in the Third Ward than Gallery Night MKE, which started in 1987 as a project of the East Town Association. Since 1990, however, it has been run by the Historic Third Ward Association — and has grown to include an average of more than 50 venues per event (up from 10 in 1990), with many of them in the Ward.
The quarterly events now bring more than 1,500 additional people than normal to the neighborhood over the course of each two-day event, flooding local galleries, shops, restaurants and studios with art lovers.
Add to the mix public art, like the Brighten the Passage murals beneath the I-794 freeway spur — that work to reconnect the Third Ward to East Town and beautify a formerly unwelcoming space — as well as the towering “The Unsung Hero” mural by German artist Case Maclaim and a new one planned for the side of the Commission House building. These are not mere decoration, but a statement and an invitation to everyone in the Ward — not just artists — to think creatively.
“Public art adds personality and surprise to the Historic Third Ward,” says HTWA Executive Director Jim Plaisted.
BOB DETORO OF THE MARSHALL BUILDING
SUSAN VARELA OF SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE
“Murals and sculptures turn everyday spaces and walls into memorable experiences and invite people to interact with the neighborhood in a more creative and personal way.”
The Third Ward has even made a name for itself on a national scale: The neighborhood was named to the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards top 10 list for “Best Arts District” four times since 2021 — including breaking into the top 5 in 2022 and 2024.
All of these factors combine to ensure that the Third Ward remains a draw for creatives, like Anthony Brewer, an abstract contemporary artist based in the Marshall Building.
“What attracted me to the Third Ward was the balance between creativity, culture and visibility,” Brewer says. “There’s history there, but there’s also movement. As an artist, you want to be somewhere where people are intentionally exploring — whether that’s galleries, restaurants, design spaces or local businesses.
“The Third Ward naturally encourages discovery. Compared to other neighborhoods, it felt like a place where art could coexist with entrepreneurship and community in a very visible way.”
Gallerist Julia Taylor echoes Brewer’s sentiment, noting that community and collaboration are part of the key to the success of the arts in the Third Ward — where she and her business partner,
Karen Ellenbecker, purchased Lily Pad Gallery | West and renamed it JK Art House. The gallery recently moved steps from its former location to the space formerly occupied by MARN Art + Culture Hub on Broadway.
“Concentration creates a destination. It builds the habit of looking, of collecting, of valuing art as part of a life well-lived. It’s essential, and I’d push back on anyone who thinks galleries are in competition with each other. We’re collaborators in building an audience,” Taylor says. “When someone comes to the Ward to visit one gallery, they walk past several others. A collector who has a meaningful experience somewhere on Friday night becomes a more curious, more engaged collector who eventually finds their way to everyone.
“IT SENDS A SIGNAL TO ARTISTS EVERYWHERE THAT MILWAUKEE IS SERIOUS. THAT REPUTATION TAKES YEARS TO BUILD, AND IT BELONGS TO ALL OF US HERE TOGETHER.”
As the HTWA celebrates its 50th anniversary, the neighborhood itself is not only celebrating, but continuing more than a half-century of the arts. The arts are not only a tradition in the Ward by now; they are the identity, the draw.
“The arts weren’t an amenity that got added to the Third Ward after it became desirable,” says Taylor. “They were the reason it became desirable.”
JULIA TAYLOR (LEFT) AND KAREN ELLENBECKER OF JK ART HOUSE
THEN & NOW
5 MORE PLACES THAT TELL THE STORY OF THE THIRD WARD’S PAST 50 YEARS
PART 2
By Bobby Tanzilo of OnMilwaukee.com
In the most recent issue of THREE, we looked at five important sites in the Third Ward that show how adaptive reuse has imbued old Milwaukee with new vigor.
This time, we’re checking out five sites created on previously open spaces that have become equally key to the landscape and quality of life in the neighborhood.
“The architectural spirit of the Historic Third Ward is to encourage creativity and new buildings, while at the same time retaining the fundamental character of this historic warehouse district,” says Matt Jarosz, director of the Historic Preservation Institute at UW-Milwaukee’s School of Architecture and Urban Planning, who staffs the Third Ward Architectural Review Board and serves on the City of Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission.
“PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE WHILE ALLOWING FOR NEW ADDITIONS IS WHY MILWAUKEE HAS SUCH AN EXCELLENT NATIONAL REPUTATION. THE ARCHITECTURAL CHALLENGE WAS, AND STILL IS, SIGNIFICANT.”
According to Jarosz, the Historic Third Ward Architectural Guidelines, adopted in 1996 and amended in 2005, were created to preserve the fundamental architectural character of the neighborhood while also allowing for creativity, contemporary construction and the general features of modern living.
Here are five “new” places in the Third Ward that embody creativity and contemporary construction and have become key features of modern living in the Historic Third Ward.
1. MILWAUKEE RIVERWALK
WHAT IT USED TO BE: Well, nothing but air above the Milwaukee and Kinnickinnic rivers, mostly.
WHAT IT IS NOW: The RiverWalk runs the entire length of the east bank of the Milwaukee and Kinnickinnic rivers out to Lake Michigan and will, when construction on the Foxtown Brewing facility is completed on Plankinton
Avenue, include most of the length of the west bank of the Milwaukee River, too.
ONE SURPRISING FACT: While the Third Ward is surrounded on three sides by water — Lake Michigan to the east and the Milwaukee and Kinnickinnic rivers to the south and west — for decades the neighborhood turned its back on its waterfront.
WHY IT MATTERS TO THE WARD’S STORY:
Since the Downtown RiverWalk system arrived in the Ward in 2004, it has opened up the riverfront to patio dining, casual strolling, jogging and even a number of green spaces — including Erie Street Plaza, Trestle Park and RiverWalk Park, where you can rent kayaks, play pickleball and enjoy live music.
2. KIMPTON JOURNEYMAN HOTEL
WHAT IT USED TO BE: After the Third Ward fire of 1892, the northeast corner of Chicago and Broadway sat vacant for a few years until a
row of brick-veneered commercial buildings — some of which housed wholesale grocery warehouses — went up on the site. But by the latter part of the 20th century, those were long gone, replaced by a large surface parking lot.
WHAT IT IS NOW: Since 2016, a newly constructed, eight-story building on the site — designed by Milwaukee’s Kahler Slater — has been home to The Journeyman Hotel, the first Kimpton property in the city. Celebrating 10 years in 2026, the 158-room hotel not only houses the popular Tre Rivali restaurant in the lobby, but also boasts The Outsider rooftop bar, with stunning views of the Ward and the Downtown skyline.
ONE SURPRISING FACT: The rooms in the Kimpton feature lacquered chests of drawers decorated with alphanumeric characters derived from historic train arrival and departure
MILWAUKEE RIVERWALK
information. Vintage Summerfest posters and prints nodding to Milwaukee’s industrial past add to the historical vibe.
WHY IT MATTERS TO THE WARD’S STORY:
The Journeyman is not only Milwaukee’s first Kimpton; it’s also the first hotel in the Third Ward, allowing visitors doorstep access to the most exciting neighborhood in town.
3. LAKESHORE STATE PARK
WHAT IT USED TO BE: The site, much like the RiverWalk, was simply water and the air above it. The fill used to create the island is earth, limestone and other rock excavated from about 300 feet below the surface of Milwaukee during construction of the Deep Tunnel project. The Deep Tunnels, which took 17 years to complete, have prevented more than 167.3 billion gallons of pollution from getting into Lake Michigan.
WHAT IT IS NOW: The 22-acre man-made island opened in 2007 and includes paved paths, a beach, a 20-slip marina, prairie plantings and could soon add a visitors center with restrooms and education spaces — all with the best view in the city of the Milwaukee skyline.
ONE SURPRISING FACT: Lakeshore State Park is Wisconsin’s only urban state park.
WHY IT MATTERS TO THE WARD’S STORY: Green space has always been at something of a premium in the densely packed urban
fabric of the Third Ward, and the expansive park surrounded by water is just what the doctor ordered for residents and visitors. Access is free to all.
In addition, Friends of Lakeshore State Park is currently raising funds for a new Visitor and Education Center at the park — a 2,500 squarefoot gathering space with restrooms, seating, a DNR office, and two outdoor patios for use yearround by park visitors. To learn more, visit friendslsp.org.
4. 333 WATER
WHAT IT USED TO BE: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the riverfront site was home to buildings housing wholesale grocers, the Royal Candy factory, a wholesale stationery supplier, a leaf tobacco processor and the Chicago, Racine
& Milwaukee Line marine freight depot and dock. Those buildings were demolished more than half a century ago and replaced with a surface parking lot.
WHAT IT IS NOW: A 31-story luxury riverside residential tower with 333 units ranging from studios to penthouses. Plus, there is a pool deck, dog spa, co-working spaces, a fitness center and other amenities. In January 2026, the French bistro-inspired Cassis restaurant opened on the ground floor.
ONE SURPRISING FACT: “The 333 Water residential building was appropriate for the perimeter location along the river and I-794 — and would have not been allowed in the heart or center of the historic district,” says Jarosz.
WHY IT MATTERS TO THE WARD’S STORY:
In addition to creating more residential capacity and more retail space on a previously underutilized site at one of the busiest entrances to the neighborhood, 333 Water allows the Ward to bring contemporary architecture into its mix without undermining the historic fabric of the neighborhood. “Another important aspect of the taller building of 333 Water is that the site previously was a parking lot,” says Jarosz. “Removing any existing buildings in the historic district is not possible, so new construction will only happen on vacant sites.”
5. MILWAUKEE DOG PARK
WHAT IT USED TO BE: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the northern half of the block between Plankinton Avenue and the Milwaukee River, St. Paul Avenue and Clybourn Street was home to the F. F. Adams Tobacco Co. By the 1960s, construction of the I-794 freeway had begun. Ever since, the space had been a moribund, somewhat forbidding area beneath an elevated concrete roadway.
WHAT IT IS NOW: The Milwaukee Dog Park opened in the summer of 2025, transforming the space into a fenced dog run with exercise areas for small and large dogs, planters, waste stations, water stations, seating and more. Part of the construction included building a new segment of RiverWalk that will soon connect to another new piece that is part of the adjacent Foxtown Brewing Co. development, which will occupy the south end of the block.
ONE SURPRISING FACT: The dog park has a special turf surface with its own self-washing system for easy maintenance.
WHY IT MATTERS TO THE WARD’S STORY: Like Lakeshore State Park, the new dog park is a quality-of-life upgrade that gives the many residents in the Ward and surrounding areas a safe and well-equipped place to exercise their dogs and allow (well-behaved) pets to interact with others. It’s not a bad social space for the humans, either!
