THREE: Volume 4, Issue 9

fresh air fresh flavors

Spring into Patio Season!

Experience the charm of our restaurant patios!

Enjoy riverfront views at Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria , bring your furry friends to dog-friendly dining at Smoke Shack , savor cocktails in the heart of the Third Ward at The Edison , or transport yourself to the streets of Italy for al fresco dining at Onesto .

www.bensonsrestaurantgroup.com/our-restaurants

Onesto

AN UPSCALE WOMEN'S BOUTIQUE FEATURING CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, GIFTS, PERSONAL STYLING & PRIVATE SHOPPING PARTIES.

249 N. Water St., Historic Third Ward

Open Mon-Sat: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

@thedistrictrow

VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 9

PUBLISHER JIM PLAISTED

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JORDAN DECHAMBRE

DESIGN DIRECTOR CARRIE CHAPKO

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

NAN BIALEK, BOBBY TANZILO, KRISTINE HANSEN, MOLLY SNYDER, LAURIE ARENDT STAFF WRITERS

JORDAN DECHAMBRE

PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC HALVERSON

EDITORIAL AND STEERING COMMITTEE

LEANN MESTER, MAL MONTOYA, JANET RAASCH, KATHLEEN DOHEARTY PENNISTON, KATE STRZOK, TRACEY WADSWORTH

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

SPRINGTIME IS HERE AND SO IS ANOTHER EXCITING SEASON OF GROWTH AND RENEWAL FOR THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD. The pulse of commercial development is breathing new energy into our urban landscape, and with new businesses opening, echoing the season’s spirit of rejuvenation.

Foxtown Landing, 333 Water, Ivoni Apartments, the Downtown MKE Dog Park, and neighboring Couture development represent an incredible level of investment and vitality in our beloved neighborhood.

We are immensely proud to be able to tell you these stories and more in every issue of THREE — and we appreciate your support as readers and advertisers. Let us know how we are doing and what stories YOU would like to see us write about in 2024 and beyond.

Creativity - Cuisine - Culture. It’s all here.

JIM PLAISTED, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HISTORIC THIRD WARD ASSOCIATION

EVENTS

Gallery Night MKE, Summerfest, Festa Italiana, Pridefest & more.

The latest neighborhood news of note. 15 QUICK BITES

24

THE “TOP” VIEW FROM

Fresh off his appearance on “Top Chef,” Dandan and EsterEv co-owner Dan Jacobs talks reality TV, cooking techniques and raising awareness of Kennedy’s Disease.

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!

20

Longtime residents of the Historic Third Ward share the secrets of the neighborhood’s growth — and staying power.

26

IN THE WARD DESIGNING

Third Ward-based interior designers share their talents with the community they love through home design projects in the neighborhood.

A

From airplanes to applause: How Henry Maier Festival Park became home to the World’s Largest Music Festival.

April 19th

Grand Opening of the Third Ward Beer Garden during Gallery Night! Live music, ceremonial Keg Tapping with local dignitaries and free beer while the keg lasts.

SUMMER SOLSTICE BEER, WINE & CHEESE FESTIVAL

June 22

Samples from local breweries, quality wines, cocktails and award-winning Wisconsin cheeses.

OCTOBERFEST

September 5-7

Live music, keg tapping, authentic foods, stein hoisting competition, games, prizes.

APRIL

FRI 4/19RICK POMEROY 5-8:30pm

SAT 4/20MARR’LO PARADA 3-6:30pm

TH 4/25JAKE WILLIAMS 5-8:30pm

FRI 4/26KRIS CROW 5-8:30pm

SAT 4/27BEN HAROLD 3-6:30pm

MAY

TH 5/2AUSTIN KARTZ 5-8:30pm

FRI 5/3JON ROUSE 5-8:30pm

SAT 5/4CHARLES BARBER 3-6:30pm

TH 5/9MARCELL GUYTON 5-8:30pm

FRI 5/10JAKE WILLIAMS 5-8:30pm

SAT 5/11AMANDA & SHAWN DUO 3-6:30pm

TH 5/16AUSTIN KARTZ 5-8:30pm

FRI 5/17JAKE WARNE 5-8:30pm

SAT 5/18BEN JANZOW 3-6:30pm

TH 5/23DONNA WOODALL 5-8:30pm

FRI 5/24MARR’LO PARADA 5-8:30pm

SAT 5/25PATRICK VAN BIBBER 3-6:30pm

TH 5/30KEVIN KENNEDY 5-8:30pm

FRI 5/31BEN HAROLD 5-8:30pm

JUNE

SAT 6/1CHARLES BARBER 5-8:30pm

TH 6/6PANOPTICS ACOUSTICS 5-8:30pm

FRI 6/7BROOKLYNN MARTI 5-8:30pm

SAT 6/8JESSE VOELKER 3-6:30pm

TH 6/13PHIL BREGANT 5-8:30pm

FRI 6/14JAKE WARNE 5-8:30pm

SAT 6/15JON ROUSE 3-6:30pm

TH 6/20JAKE WILLIAMS 5-8:30pm

FRI 6/21MARR’LO PARADA 5-8:30pm

SAT 6/22WINDY HOPE 3-6:30pm

TH 6/27DAVE CICCANTELLI 5-8:30pm

FRI 6/28BEN JANZOW 5-8:30pm

SAT 6/29BEN HAROLD 3-6:30pm

UPCOMING EVENTS

SPRING 2024

GALLERY NIGHT APRIL 19 + 20

L’APPARTEMENT

MARCH 24-APRIL 14

Rooster and Meg are on their dream vacation – a decadent Paris getaway in a swanky airbnb with no twin toddlers in sight. All is well until they pick up the keys from their French hosts. This brief encounter with their departing hosts sparks a weeklong series of hilarious, wine-fueled arguments as Meg and Rooster examine their middle class lives against the too-good-to-be-true backdrop of Serge & Lea’s L’APPARTEMENT. r-t-w.com

Spring Gallery Night MKE will feature 50-plus galleries, museums, pop-up art installations and much more Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20. Gallery hop through the Historic Third Ward, Walker’s Point, East Town and other locations in and around Downtown Milwaukee. Visit the website for a list of all participating venues, and to plan your night (and day). gallerynightmke.com

FROM HERE TO ETERNITY: THE MUSICAL APRIL 12-MAY 5

Skylight Music Theatre presents the Midwest premiere of the legendary Tim Rice’s epic wartime musical, From Here to Eternity. This fascinating new musical, with a powerhouse rock and blues score, continues its U.S. development with this production. skylightmusictheatre.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART & DESIGN

UPCOMING EVENTS | SPRING 2024

THE TREASURER

APRIL 24-MAY 19

In this darkly funny, sharply intimate portrait, Max Posner chronicles the strained ties between a son and his aging mother, and the hell of a guilty conscience. nextact.org

THE NOT-SO-ACCIDENTAL CONVICTION OF ELEVEN MILWAUKEE “ANARCHISTS”

APRIL 26-MAY 12

A can’t miss world premiere, which finds four actors valiantly and hilariously strive to make sense of the events surrounding one of the most complicated and far-reaching moments in Milwaukee history: the 1917 bomb explosion inside the Oneida Street police station. www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org

EARTH DAY RIVERKEEPER CLEANUP

APRIL 20

Come together as a community to care for the Milwaukee River! Dress to get dirty and wear closedtoed shoes; t-shirt, gloves and trash bags will be provided. milwaukeeriverkeeper.org/restore/ spring-cleanup/

PANTER BELICO

MAY 11

One of the hottest young stars in Mexican music is taking the stage to bring his signature style to the BMO Pavilion.

bmopavilion.com/concerts

WILLIE NELSON & FRIENDS

MAY 18

families and coworkers to have fun and support our region’s world class performing arts organizations. Bike the Hoan and support the arts on the 20-mile Hoan Loop Course where bikes rule the road! upaf.org

MAGGIE ROGERS

JUNE 8

GRAMMY® Award-nominated songwriter/producer/ performer Maggie Rogers will bring Part 1 of The Don’t Forget Me Tour with special guest The Japanese House to the BMO Pavilion. bmopavilion.com/concerts

PRIDEFEST

JUNE 6-8

Celebrate our vibrant LGBTQ+ community at Henry Maier Festival Park. Live entertainment, food and drink, dancing and more. pridefest.com

Willie Nelson & friends live in concert at BMO Pavilion. bmopavilion.com/concerts

UPAF RIDE FOR THE ARTS

JUNE 2

The UPAF Ride for the Arts, Presented by Miller Lite, is more than just a ride – it’s an opportunity for friends,

UPAF RIDE FOR THE ARTS: PHOTO BY MEG STROBEL

PRIDEFEST: PHOTO BY MEG STROBEL

POLISH FEST

JUNE 14-16

Polish Fest brings a taste of Poland to Henry W. Maier Festival Park through a living educational showcase of the arts, culture and tradition that is uniquely Polish. polishfest.org

SUMMERFEST

JUNE 20-22, JUNE 27-JUNE 29, JULY 4-6

We’ve got the beat! Summerfest hosts more than 800 bands and 900,000 fans over three weekends on 11 different stages at Henry Maier Festival Park. summerfest.com

Italian food and wine, bocce ball, live music and fireworks? It must be Festa! And for 2024, this familyfavorite festival returns to Henry W. Maier Festival Park May 31-June 2 after a five-year hiatus.

Festa Italiana previously was held on the Summerfest grounds from 1978 to 2019, then canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. In 2022 and 2023, the festival pivoted to the grounds of the Italian Community Center (ICC).

Sandy Winard, president of the ICC and executive director of Festa Italiana, says the move back to the lakefront allows the festival to accommodate more attendees and increase revenue potential. “The ICC grounds don’t have the infrastructure to host an event of this nature on an ongoing basis,” says Winard.

FESTA ITALIANA

RETURNS TO HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK!

Festa is officially kicking off the festival season with all the top hits of this “Little Italy on the Lakefront” celebration — the Cucina Showcase, heritage/ cultural exhibits, Italian Idol (a personal favorite of Winard), fireworks, a bocce tournament, Sunday Mass, entertainment and, of course, all the Italian food and wine. But, there are new additions on tap, as well.

“We are introducing the Festa Deli, which will feature the famous Festa Sausage, Rice Balls and a new signature sandwich,” says Winard. “ There will also be enhanced, new food and wine experiences; and we’re bringing back the Regional Exhibit, which will celebrate Sicily this year.”

Learn more at iccmilwaukee.com/festa-italiana.

SUMMERFEST: PHOTO COURTESY OF SUMMERFEST MUSIC FESTIVAL, MILWAUKEE WORLD FESTIVAL, INC.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FESTA ITALIANA

local art live events curated bar

RE-ELECT MAYOR CAVALIER JOHNSON

Proven, effective leadership for the City of Milwaukee.

“

The promise I make about the next four years is the same promise I made when I was fortunate enough to be elected Mayor: Milwaukee will be safer, Milwaukee will be stronger, and Milwaukee will be the best city in America. I hope to earn your support at the polls April 2, 2024.”

MAYOR CAVALIER JOHNSON

191 N Broadway Suite 102 Milwaukee, WI 53202

MARN is located in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee, WI, the traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Menominee homeland where the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Mohican nations remain present.

City of Milwaukee’s first elected Black Mayor

Life-long Milwaukee resident Lives on Milwaukee’s west side with his wife Dominique and their three children

QUICK BITES

THE LATEST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS OF NOTE

By Molly Snyder of OnMilwaukee.com

NOW OPEN

Third Coast Gourmet, an upscale deli, opened in March inside the Renaissance Building (309 N. Water). Joena Vitale is serving up a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, charcuterie boards, julienne fries, craft beer and wine. On Sundays, the deli offers hot ham and rolls and Bloody Marys, as well as live music on Wednesdays and Fridays. thirdcoastgourmet.com

Open since February, Visual Comfort & Co. is lighting up the neighborhood with its ultra-cool mix of lighting — from table and floor lamps to wall, ceiling and outdoor lighting. The shop itself is a bright and bold statement on Water Street, perfectly showcasing its range of design styles, from sleek and modern to eclectic, minimalist, traditional and everything in between. visualcomfort.com

Wicked Alley (317 N. Broadway) is a lifelong dream that materialized last July for owner Alexandre Hill. The quirky basement shop is stocked with vintage and second-hand clothing, neon signs, art, gifts, jewelry, a small selection of used records and more. The spot hosts occasional craft nights and special events including DJ nights and a mini art market. “This is a unique space for shopping as well as community building,” says Hill. Find it by taking the steps downstairs next to Pink Moon Bay boutique.

wickedalley.com

VISUAL COMFORT & CO.

PHOTO BY ERIC HALVERSON

COMING SOON

Korean fare – with a focus on noodle dishes – will be available in the Landmark Building (316 N. Milwaukee St.) thanks to Sinabro. Located inside the former Fool’s Errand space, Sinabro will offer high-quality Korean noodle dishes, spicy rice cakes, pork and seafood bowls, a full bar and more at affordable prices in a casual environment. Sinabro is a partnership between Han Kim, who also operates Char’d (222 E. Erie St.), and his father, Jongsoo Kim, who co-owns Kanpai Izakaya (408 E. Chicago St.).

Fresh scoops of Cherry Garcia, Chunky Monkey and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough are coming soon to the Third Ward. Ben & Jerry’s will open its first Wisconsin-based scoop shop on the ground floor of the InterLace Lofts building (203 N. Broadway) this year. “This is a good fit for the neighborhood,” says Marianne Burish, executive vice president of Transwestern. “It’s going to round out the Third Ward’s amenities and offerings.”

A new Mexican restaurant, Las Gardenias, is projected to open in the Pritzlaff Building (305 N. Plankinton Ave.), by early fall. The extensive menu will feature made-to-order guacamole, gorditas,

taquitos, soups, tacos, burritos, albondigas (meatballs in broth), chicken mole, rib chops, a variety of desserts and more. Family-style dinners and Saturday-only pork carnitas will also be available. Patricia Barrera Kerhin will operate the eatery with assistance from her husband, Richard Kerhin. The couple also own Aperitivo, which is in the same building. “There is a lot of representation of Mexican cuisine to the south of the Third Ward, the Third Ward itself has a fairly limited selection of Mexican restaurants,” says Kerhin. “We hope that we will be able to create an elevated experience.”

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

CAVAS (401 E. Erie St.) celebrated a Valentine’s Day reopening after closing temporarily. The Latin American-inspired restaurant and bar has a new food and cocktail menu and refreshed ambiance. “The menu is designed to represent travel experiences and every dinner will have a different ‘pop-up’ chef,” says Docta. “CAVAS was always intimate, and now it will be intimate and exclusive.” cavasmke.com

Tied House (124 N. Water St.) recently launched a “To-Go” cocktail program per the request of guests. The packages may rotate, but currently two of their most popular cocktails are available: The “Banana Rumma” – a riff on a banana daiquiri – and an espresso martini called the “Espress Yourself.” Tied House also offers a boutique line of to-go margaritas. All of the kits

are available Thursday through Sunday and can be ordered on site or via email at orders@tiedhousemke.com. “We love what we do here, but I don’t think this sense of passion is unique to the Third Ward. It’s a common thread that typifies the vibrancy of the community,” says co-owner Melissa Weber. tiedhousemke.com

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (273 E. Erie St.) celebrates 50 years of providing arts education — nurturing creativity and releasing talented, skilled professionals into the world. Recently, MIAD was named a Top Design School in 2024 by GraphicDesignUSA magazine and the No. 1 Animation Program in Wisconsin by Animation Career Review. In 2023, the college completed a $10 million capital campaign to fund scholarships and facility improvements, including Lubar Centers for Innovation and Emerging Technology, and launched a new Fashion and Apparel Design major. “MIAD sincerely and authentically leans into its values, in particular kindness and community,” says Executive Director of Marketing & Communication Stacey Steinberg.

MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART & DESIGN

“The individuals who make up the MIAD community look out for one another, embrace being allies and believe in the mission that we ignite curious minds. The community genuinely believes that we are that place where passion finds purpose.”

THE 411 ON 414 DAY

Celebrated on April 14 (4-14), 414 Day is quite possibly the Milwaukee-est day of the entire year. The grassroots holiday provides an opportunity to celebrate all that Brew City has to offer, from bars and restaurants to galleries, yoga studios, doggie boutiques, sports teams and more.

It’s also a chance to honor Milwaukeeans from all corners of the city who contribute to our awesomeness through hard work, passion, creativity and a healthy appreciation for community. (And cheese.) Believed to have been started by a group of pals (Andy Silverman, Brent Gohde and Timm Gable) via social media, the day of tribute was embraced by Mayor Tom Barrett in 2012 when he proclaimed April 14 as Milwaukee Day and later as a statewide holiday.

Historically, the mayor raises a beer stein to the city on this day at a designated event and bellows the unofficial Milwaukee toast, “414, let’s have one more!”

Plus, every year a massive 414 flag created by longtime Third Ward designer and 414 Milwaukee business owner Fred Gillich is unfurled on the front of City Hall, where it hangs for a week in all of its Good Land glory.

“Some of the best people on the planet live right here,” says Gillich. “This day is a perfect opportunity to sustain our pride and renew our vision for the city of the future.”

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 member! Scan the QR code or visit htwa.wildapricot.org/join-us to enjoy the benefits of membership today!

1. The second HTWAccess event of 2023 was held at the Milwaukee Public Market in November. This event highlighted website best practices for small business owners, and included panelists from Branigan Communications, Momentic and Elevate & Co

2. HTWA members (like MARN Art + Culture Hub President Mal Montoya, shown here) gathered at Gibraltar in November to be the first to view the Winter 2023 issue of THREE magazine. Guests indulged in craft cocktails and experienced one of the neighborhood’s newest cocktail bars.

3. Christmas in the Ward celebrated its 35th year in 2023, and welcomed thousands of visitors to the Historic Third Ward on Dec. 1. Guests were treated to live musical performances, holiday greetings from Milwaukee dignitaries, a tree lighting with Santa, fireworks over the river, s’mores roasting (shown here) with Friends of Lakeshore State Park and more holiday goodness.

4. More than 300 HTWA members and friends toasted the season at the Milwaukee Public Market on Dec. 13 during the HTWA’s annual Holiday Jingle & Mingle A lavish food spread, seasonal drinks, live music and stunning decor punctuated the member-favorite event, which boasted record attendance.

5. (Left to right) members Scottie Girouard, and Tabatha DiRubba and Lisa Rambol of The District Row, got into the holiday spirit at the HTWA Holiday Jingle & Mingle.

6. Gallery Night MKE — which is produced by the HTWA — held its first event of the year Jan. 19-20. Nearly 50 venues throughout the city participated in this winter celebration of art and culture. Shown here: The “Behind the Queen” exhibit at MARN Art + Culture Hub was a collaboration between MARN and the Edessa School of Fashion.

7. The first Sip & Socialize (formerly Coffee Talk) of 2024 was held in January at TerraSol Dispensary. Guests mingled with co-owners Keefe Olig and Mike Sickler and learned about cannabis and CBD products while enjoying coffee and pastries at TerraSol’s spacious Third Ward boutique.

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THE O.G.s

LONGTIME RESIDENTS OF THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD SHARE THE SECRETS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD’S GROWTH — AND STAYING POWER

By Kristine Hansen

Photography by Eric Halverson

East Coast native Tracey Wadsworth swore she would never leave Chicago. But then she met a guy: Andrew Wadsworth, a resident of the Third Ward.

And so, following love, Wadsworth moved to the neighborhood in 2003. Four years later, the couple bought a condo in the Marine Terminal Lofts. He passed away last year and was often quoted as

CRAIG AND MARY SCHANNING

saying, “There are only two kinds of people who don’t love Milwaukee – those who have never been here and those who never left.”

The neighborhood’s tight-knit nature and that it was an emerging destination drew Wadsworth in.

“I FELT LIKE I WAS PART OF SOMETHING THAT WAS BECOMING SOMETHING INSTEAD OF AN ESTABLISHED PLACE,” SAYS WADSWORTH.

But the Third Ward wasn’t always this vibrant.

“In 1988, there wasn’t a lot down here,” says Michael Sullivan, who bought a Third Ward condo in 2006 and another in 2011.

“It’s changed a lot,” says Mary Schanning, general counsel and chief administrative officer at Milwaukee World Festival, which operates festivals including Summerfest at Henry Maier Festival Park. In 2001, she and her husband, Craig — who hops the streetcar to his Wisconsin Department of Transportation Office in the Intermodal Station — moved into the Broadway Condos and then, in 2017, Commission House.

“When we first moved in, there were a handful of restaurants and the Milwaukee Public Market wasn’t there; hardly any shopping to speak of,” says Schanning. “(But the) Skylight Music Theatre has been around the entire time.”

Among the amenities that keep Sullivan and his partner here are that long-time theater. They have season tickets to Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Next Act Theatre and Renaissance Theaterworks, all in the Third Ward or just across the river. “Theater starts at 7:30 p.m. I’m at my house until 7:20 p.m and I walk across the street,” says Sullivan.

The Third Ward has long attracted residents who want to ditch the car.

“I’m from New York City so I couldn’t imagine living in a non-urban area. I really wanted a location where I didn’t have to drive to work,” says Cindy Tendler, who works for Baird and formerly Bon-Ton’s corporate offices.

In 1999, she and her husband, Tony Silvia, moved into the Broadway Condos — and still live there 25 years later with their 18-year-old cat.

Schanning, whose office is just outside the festival grounds, shares a car with her husband and “hardly drives anywhere.“

“I like that it’s walkable. You can walk out your door and you’re like, ‘Do I want sushi or barbecue?’” says Sullivan. “We have two cars and we don’t drive them (often).” Both he and his partner’s offices are within a six-block walk and they also own a dog, providing more opportunities to walk.

Supporting independent businesses is also important. “I like going to Valentine Coffee to get a coffee in the morning, and The Wicked Hop for an occasional beverage of the frothy nature,” says Silvia.

“My favorite thing to do is to walk around, not necessarily to any particular destination,” says Wadsworth. “I love to walk around Lakeshore State Park then back through the neighborhood.”

TRACEY WADSWORTH

When hosting out-of-town guests, Wadsworth and her pals start with lunch at Bavette La Boucherie, then go shopping. “My friend from Indianapolis never leaves town without three bags of stuff,” says Wadsworth. “The Marshall Building is incredible, not just for Gallery Night, but I’ve got a couple of friends who are artists and have galleries there.”

Similarly, when Laura Lindner — a Brookfield native who moved to the Third Ward from Chicago in 2005 — bought a condo in the Third Ward, she found herself welcoming houseguests.

“I HAVE A BUNCH OF CHICAGO FRIENDS AND THEY COME UP AND VISIT,” SHE SAYS. “THEY LOVE THE THIRD WARD BECAUSE IT’S SUCH A GREAT CONCENTRATED AREA WITH FOOD AND SHOPPING, AND ACCESS TO THE LAKE. THERE’S NO NEIGHBORHOOD LIKE THIS IN CHICAGO, WITH LAKESHORE STATE PARK RIGHT THERE.”

For many long-time residents, they spent time in the Third Ward long before the moving van pulled up.

“I used to come down here for Summerfest and thought it was a cool neighborhood. Being five blocks away and not having to pay for parking is handy,” says Silvia.

The same is true for Schanning, who moved with her husband to the Third Ward from West Allis.

Walking back to their car after meeting friends at the former Milwaukee Ale House, they looked at each other and said, “‘Wouldn’t it be great to live down here and not have to drive to the places we want to go?’

“There were a few summers where I worked at Summerfest as a bartender,” she says. “It now feels full circle. My life has come back to the same place.”

Silvia, who grew up in Mequon, has long-time roots in the neighborhood that precede his birth. “My mother lived in this neighborhood back in the ‘40s,” says Silvia. “My grandparents came from Sicily in the early 1900s and settled in this neighborhood and my mom grew up here.”

Sullivan worked at Café Marche during the 1990s, then from 1998 to 2008 for a commercial photographer with a Third Ward studio. He continues to support neighborhood artists by bringing custom-framing projects to Sadler Gallery and buying cards at Broadway Paper. “I remember their original space, in the building next door to where it is now,” he says about the stationary and gift shop. “It was literally a factory and (the original owner) made her Cream City Ribbons there.”

For residents who want a small-town feel with big-city amenities, the Third Ward checks off all the boxes. “Even though we’re in the city it’s a very homey neighborhood. Someone will inadvertently know us when we go in (to a business),” says Silvia.

That also happens to Wadsworth. “I can’t go anywhere (in the Third Ward) without seeing people I know,” she says. The neighborhood’s also conducive to developing a routine. “No matter where we had dinner, which wasn’t always in the Third Ward, we would come back and have a drink at the St. Paul Palapa,” she says.

TONY SILVIA AND CINDY TENDLER

FROM

THE

VIEW “ TOP”

FRESH OFF HIS APPEARANCE ON “TOP CHEF,” DANDAN AND ESTEREV CO-OWNER DAN JACOBS TALKS REALITY TV, COOKING TECHNIQUES AND RAISING AWARENESS OF KENNEDY’S DISEASE

By

Dechambre

Dan Jacobs is hard not to notice. From his instantly recognizable deep, gravely voice to his colorful specs, Jacobs is a Milwaukee personality with personality. And that’s before you even take a bite of his culinary creations.

But this popular Milwaukee chef and multiple James Beard nominee had been keeping a secret that is now catapulting him to the national culinary spotlight.

Not only did he receive his sixth James Beard nomination this winter (not a secret) — but he is appearing on season 21 of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” which was filmed in Milwaukee and Madison in 2023 (definitely a secret).

And there’s more: After opening Dandan eight years ago on Erie Street in the Historic Third Ward, he and business partner-slash-bestie Dan Van Rite — who is also an accomplished, nine-time James Beardnominated chef — opened EsterEv within the Dandan space. EsterEv’s popularity and robust accolades recently led the Dans, as they are affectionately known, to move it to a larger space in Bay View this spring.

Jordan

with contributions by Kristine Hansen Photography by Eric Halverson

Talk about having a lot on your plate.

Now that the secret’s out, Jacobs is finally ready to celebrate his “Top Chef” experience with the city he loves when the show premieres on March 20.

Q. How much of a “Top Chef” fan were you before going on the show?

A. HUGE! I’ve been an avid fan since day one. I’ve applied almost a dozen times but the way it worked out for Season 21 to be set in Wisconsin was everything I could have dreamed of.

Q. What was one thing that surprised you about how the show operates?

A. We all know that “Top Chef” is physically taxing, but no matter how much you prepare, you don’t understand how mentally challenging this competition is until you’re in it.

Q. As a restaurant owner, how does going on a reality show like “Top Chef” help elevate the restaurant’s popularity?

A. The national exposure has already been incredible. We’re excited to welcome new faces around town and hopefully bring in more tourists who are exploring Milwaukee as a newfound foodie destination. It’s great for restaurants and chefs around the state as a whole.

Q. How have you been able to use your appearance on the show to raise awareness about Kennedy’s Disease (a genetic neuromuscular ailment that’s often mistaken for ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease)?

A. The awareness around my “why” really points toward Kennedy’s Disease and how I hope to inspire differently-abled people, especially in the culinary world. We’re excited to bring back our annual fundraiser, Dim Sum + Give Some, and give people a chance to get involved shortly before they tune in for the premiere.

Q. How hard was it to keep your appearance on “Top Chef” a secret from your community and restaurant patrons?

A. It was tough, but all worth the wait! It’s great to be able to chat [about] being a contestant now.

Q. With so many competitions under your belt now, post-“Top Chef” how will you approach your cooking techniques differently?

A. I’m a big believer that simple is better. The show was a great way for me to return to those solid techniques that have helped me get to where I am today. Pay attention and taste, taste, taste.

Q. How do you and Dan Van Rite “click” as business partners?

A. People say we’re like yin and yang. We complement each other well. We work well together and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. We’ve been in business for almost eight years now and it’s incredible to share wins with one of your best friends.

Q. Thinking about your time on “Top Chef,” is there one crazy moment where, without giving anything about the show away, you literally laugh out loud?

A. Nothing that wouldn’t give the show away!

DESIGNING THE WARD

THIRD WARD-BASED INTERIOR DESIGNERS SHARE THEIR TALENTS WITH THE COMMUNITY THEY LOVE THROUGH HOME DESIGN PROJECTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

By Nan Bialek

Inset images by Eric Halverson; home design images submitted

(ABOVE) FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS OPEN TO THE ROOFTOP TERRACE, GREEN ROOF AND SCULPTURE GARDEN EXPERIENCE OF THIS DEEP RIVER PARTNERS-DESIGNED RIVER RENAISSANCE PENTHOUSE. THE DESIGN CREATES A CLEAN AND MODERN ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR AESTHETIC THAT INTEGRATES LARGE ART AS PART OF THE EXPERIENCE. (LEFT) SHERER, FOUNDER AND CEO OF DEEP RIVER PARTNERS.

Whether your style leans toward contemporary chic, traditional with a twist or quirky eclectic, your home should be an expression of your taste and your lifestyle. Interior designers who are based in the Historic Third Ward can help you define and refine your vision of a welcoming haven to call your own.

DEEP RIVER PARTNERS

The architects and interior designers at Deep River Partners, says the company’s founder and CEO Richard Sherer, focus on remodeling, new construction and condo build-outs.

“We’re really creating lifestyles for our clients that support their vision of life,” he says. “Within that kind of focus, we also do additions, waterfront homes, projects that are on specialty properties

that offer a lot of opportunities but have requirements that are more intense.”

Initial client meetings are devoted to a series of questions. You’ll talk about your preferences and how you want to live in particular spaces. You’ll also be creating a goal list; “rules that we’re going to follow as we set up the design,” says Sherer.

“WE’RE VERY CLIENT-CENTRIC AND WE ALSO DO DIFFERENT STYLES OF INTERIOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE, IT REALLY DEPENDS ON THE CLIENT AND THE CONTEXT THAT WE’RE IN,” HE CONTINUES.

Natalie Erickson, an interior designer at the firm, is working on several projects at the moment: a log cabin, a Modern European cleanup of an existing home and a Modern Industrial design.

No matter what the style, says Sherer, the design also has to be functional.

Erickson says a few of the current trends she is seeing are clients looking for handmade tile in bathrooms and statement countertops with pronounced veining. Color, versus an all-white design scheme, is also making a comeback.

TAD HELLMANN DESIGN

When he was a teenager, Tad Hellmann says, he used to skip out of high school to go to his cabinetbuilding apprenticeship site and sweep the floor. That’s how much he loved the idea of being a cabinet maker. Today, Hellmann is a soughtafter custom casework designer and interior and exterior architectural designer who works on projects like creating all the cabinetry for the luxury apartments at The Ascent, the award-winning high-rise at 700 E. Kilbourn Ave.

The style he says is dominating now is minimalism, because people are looking for a cleaner and simpler lifestyle.

“Another current trend is an emphasis on storage,” Hellman says. Examples are built-in closet cabinetry, and wardrobe cabinetry housing stackable washers and dryers.

DEEP RIVER PARTNERS SAYS THE DESIGN SCHEME FOR THIS HARBOR FRONT CONDO WAS A MIX OF WHITE OAK, MATTE BLACK, WHITE ACCENTS FOR RELIEF AND THE EXISTING RUSTIC WOOD CEILING. SPECIAL ATTENTION WAS PAID TO LIGHTING EFFECTS IN THE KITCHEN AND THROUGHOUT THE CONDO. THE KITCHEN IS NOW A FANTASTIC PLACE TO ENTERTAIN BEFORE AND AFTER FESTIVALS WITH THE HOAN BRIDGE AND RIVER AS A GREAT BACKDROP TO THE PARTY.

TAD HELLMANN

THIS COMPLETE MASTER BATH RENOVATION BY TAD HELLMAN DESIGN IN MARINE TERMINAL LOFTS RECONFIGURED THE SPACE AND REMOVED A LARGE, BUILT-IN WHIRLPOOL TUB. NEW FINISHES, UPDATED FIXTURES AND A HEATED FLOOR WERE ADDED TO THE SPACE. FRENCH WHITE OAK AND LIMESTONE MATERIALS HELPED TO ACHIEVE AN ELEGANCE MEETS INDUSTRIAL VIBE.

Hellmann lets function dictate the design, but beauty is just as important in his work.

He is also noticing that remodeling, as opposed to new construction, is becoming more prevalent.

At his home in the Third Ward, Hellmann’s love of home cooking, mostly Italian, is evident. That’s one of things that, he says, “also makes me a good kitchen designer.”

Until he began living in The Ward fulltime, Hellman says, he never realized “what a gem it really is.

“THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT,” HE ADDS. “IT HAS A EUROPEAN FEEL AND A GREAT OLDER ITALIAN HERITAGE. IT’S A REAL JEWEL.”

KMB DESIGN | CONSULTING

Kelly Brainerd has been working in the Ward for more than 20 years in residential and commercial design, art consulting and project management. She founded her KMB Design | Consulting firm in 2016.

Brainerd moved to the neighborhood eight years ago and says she has “really enjoyed watching it evolve over time.” She appreciates the mix of hyper-local businesses with the presence of national brands.

“If I need to get my cell phone fixed, I can go to Verizon, and if I need to get something to eat, I can go to Bavette,” she explains.

She’s not the only one who loves living here –some of her clients are residents who considered moving to upgrade their living space, but didn’t want to give up their Third Ward lifestyle.

“I definitely have seen that trend; that people want to invest in the home that they currently have,” Brainerd says. “I’ve seen people go look at new properties but end up putting more money into their existing home because they like the neighborhood, or the ‘bones’ of their existing home.”

KELLY BRAINERD

You don’t have to move to a new home to completely transform the way you live. That’s why Brainerd starts each project with a thorough discussion with her client so that the design will not only be more functional, but will also reflect the interests of those who live in the space. Your story is in the details, she says, down to the choice of frames for your art or the addition of the Mexican pillows you brought home from vacation and a throw pillow cross-stitched by your aunt.

“PART OF MY JOB IS TO PUSH AND CHALLENGE AND THINK ABOUT NEW IDEAS,” SHE SAYS.

KELLY BRAINERD OF KMB DESIGN | CONSULTING’S CLIENT DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO UPDATE THE 17-YEAR-OLD BATHROOM IN THEIR MARINE TERMINAL LOFTS CONDO. BY ADDING A LUXURIOUS TUB, CREATING A RELAXING SHOWER EXPERIENCE AND FRESHENING THE BATHROOM FINISHES, THE UPDATED SPACE NOW REFLECTS THE STYLE EVOLUTION OF THE HOMEOWNER.

DEEP RIVER PARTNERS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Back in 1999, Richard Sherer, founder and CEO of Deep River Partners, believed the Historic Third Ward might be fertile ground to grow his new business. Today, the architectural and interior design firm works with clients here and across the country to create the luxury homes of their dreams.

The company’s first location was in the former Erv. Julien Shade Co. building, 336 N. Milwaukee St. Deep River Partners grew as The Ward began to blossom.

Over 25 years, Sherer and his staff saw the addition of the Milwaukee Public Market, The Wicked Hop, Cafe Benelux, “all good places for lunch meetings for us,” he notes. The continual upgrade of shopping and hospitality, as well as events like Christmas in the Ward, add to the ambience.

When a developer bought the Julien building in 2016 and began to turn it into The Atelier apartments, Sherer frantically searched throughout the metro area for a new location. He couldn’t find anything with the same kind of neighborhood vibe.

“We decided that the Third Ward was our home,” says Sherer. “And our clients like coming here. It has that urban feel.”

Now, from their offices in the historic Heller Elevator Building, 240 N. Milwaukee St., Deep River Partners continues to thrive.

NOW AND

A PARK’S PROGRESS

FROM AIRPLANES TO APPLAUSE: HOW HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK BECAME HOME TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST MUSICAL FESTIVAL.

By Bobby Tanzilo of OnMilwaukee.com

Photos provided by Summerfest Music Festival, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

With an ongoing lineup of upgrades, the 75acre Summerfest grounds at Henry W. Maier Festival Park continues to evolve and impress. And it’s perhaps even more impressive when you consider the site was under water little more than a century ago.

Over the years, Summerfest has added new entrance gates; built the BMO Harris Pavilion, a new Summerfest store and new offices; and renovated or rebuilt everything from the children’s area to the amphitheater.

“OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS ALONE, MILWAUKEE WORLD FESTIVAL, INC. (MWF) AND ITS PARTNERS HAVE INVESTED OVER $160 MILLION IN THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE FESTIVAL PARK, CREATING A WORLD-CLASS DESTINATION FOR THE COMMUNITY TO CONVENE AND CELEBRATE MUSIC AND CULTURE,” SAYS SARAH PANCHERI, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF MWF, THE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT MANAGES HENRY W. MAIER FESTIVAL PARK.

The Wisconsin Constitution’s “Public Trust Doctrine” ensures the state’s navigable waterways – which includes Lake Michigan – remain accessible to the public. To that end, private development has long been forbidden on the land occupied by the Summerfest grounds, which helps keep the land available for all to use.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Today, Henry W. Maier Festival Park is an enviable permanent festival site — but check out the site on the 1910 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map and you won’t find it. Instead, you’ll see the waters of Lake Michigan lapping up against what is now the curb on the west side of Harbor Drive.

Landfill began to push the waterfront toward the east in the 1870s, creating land mostly for the benefit of railroads. Remnants of an old roundhouse still lie beneath the southern end of the Italian Community Center parking lot, as builders of the Milwaukee Ballet’s Baumgartner Center for Dance discovered a few years ago.

By the 1920s, the land upon which the festival park sits was created (at least in part) from rubbish. It arrived just in time to welcome the aviation age to Milwaukee, where the city’s first airport was constructed in what is now Currie Park in 1919.

TAKING FLIGHT

Some argued the downtown area needed its own airport and, in 1927, that new wide-open space along the lakefront became Maitland Field. It was named for hometown boy Lester Maitland, a Riverside High grad who piloted the first transPacific flight.

The airport soon became a destination for seaplanes that crossed the lake to Grand Rapids. But nearly as soon as it opened, Maitland was deemed problematic.

A 1930 Milwaukee Journal editorial called the airport too small and unsuitable as an intermodal rail, water and air hub.

“Maitland field presents more than the problem of size,” the paper noted. “The question is whether Milwaukee wants to develop another transportation terminal dangerously near that part of its lake shore already dedicated to recreational use ... or whether the water-rail-air terminal should be developed on another part of the shore, better formed, or larger landing area, more suitable and nearly as convenient to the downtown district.”

The Town of Lake airport, later named in honor of pilot Billy Mitchell, seemed a better bet. For nearly a decade, beginning in 1937, Maitland became the Seadrome trailing facility.

At some point during the airport era — local legend holds — a circus elephant died when the clowns rode the rails into town and the animal was interred at the lakefront site. However, Summerfest’s longtime VP of Entertainment Bob Babisch is skeptical.

“I don’t know how it would work because you hit water about four feet below the surface,”

SARAH PANCHERI, PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC HALVERSON

he told OnMilwaukee. “If there was an elephant there, it would have floated away years ago. All the years I’ve been here, I’ve seen a lot ... but I haven’t seen an elephant float away.”

A MILITARY MOMENT

In the end, wind currents created by the lake, navigation issues caused by nearby tall buildings and the problem of glass and metal trash poking out of the landfill and puncturing airplane tires combined to put a permanent end to Maitland in the 1950s.

In 1958, at the height of the Cold War, the Department of Defense transformed the 15acre site into one of eight Nike Missile sites. Underground silos at the former airport housed nearly a dozen Nike Hercules anti-aircraft rockets. In about five years, however, the missiles were obsolete and the military filled the site with concrete and moved on, returning the land to the City of Milwaukee.

THE SUMMERFEST ERA

In 1968, the site was the scene of a youth festival that was part of the first Summerfest, which had events scattered around the city. In 1970, the lakefront site became the permanent site for the Big Gig.

Since then, festival organizers have spent more than 50 years improving the site.

“WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT OUR CITY LEADERS HAD THE VISION TO REPURPOSE THAT LAND, WHICH HAS BEEN HOME TO SUMMERFEST AND MANY ETHNIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVALS SINCE 1970,” SAYS PANCHERI.

“We look forward to continuing to fulfill the original mission of the organization to provide a showcase for the performing arts and cultural heritage, drive tourism to Milwaukee, and create significant economic impact for the region.”

THE CROWD AT A 1970S-ERA CONCERT AT SUMMERFEST.

THE BEAT GOES ON

The ever-evolving Summerfest grounds took another step forward recently when organizers announced a partnership with Aurora Health Care that will transform the DJ-focused Sound Waves Stage into the Aurora Pavilion.

Not only will the covered stage continue to host DJs and live music during the threeweekend Big Gig, the pavilion will, according to Summerfest officials, “create a gathering place for cultural programming including free events and concerts.”

create a new entrance and improved accessibility, add a new permanent video screen, improve hospitality areas and create better artist production capacity.

Built just inside the Mid-Gate about two decades ago as the Potawatomi Stage, the venue was long known as the Johnson Controls World Stage. The transformation – designed by the Historic Third Ward’s own EUA – will

“The MWF team is partnering with Aurora to host community events as well as new programming options,” says Pancheri. “The partnership will also allow MWF to continue to provide a great variety of music during Summerfest.”

RE-ELECT APRIL 2, 2024

ALDERMAN BOB BAUMAN

Strong, effective leadership for Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.

“

With your help, I look forward to continuing to use my experience, passion and knowledge to guide the growth and vibrancy of the Historic Third Ward.”

— Alderman Bob Bauman

The Historic Third Ward is one of the most vibrant and fast-growing Milwaukee neighborhoods.

Alderman Bauman is proud to have played a significant role in this success during his 20-year tenure serving the 4th District:

Chair of the Third Ward Architectural Review Board - which has reviewed and approved every real estate development, building renovation, and public space installation in the Third Ward.

Initiated the project to develop the boulevard on Milwaukee St.

Ensured that the HOP Streetcar was routed through the Third Ward. The Public Market is now the busiest stop.

Initiated the installation of many traffic control devices, traffic calming measures, street scaping projects and pedestrian amenities.

Sponsored the legislation that authorized the development of the river walk, and the legislation that authorized the creation of the Erie St. Plaza and Trestle Park.

Sponsored the legislation approving the Third Ward Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Architectural Design Guidelines.

aldermanbauman.com

Supported the historic designation of the Miller Tavern, opposed the plan to demolish this structure and worked to facilitate the donation of this building to the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance.

“

Played a major role in the redesign of the Lake Interchange of I-794.

Bob Bauman has been and continues to be instrumental in the success of The Historic Third Ward. His advice, counsel and attention to the needs of his constituents have been invaluable. Without his collaboration and consistent support, the Third Ward would not be the great place to work, play, and most importantly to live in that it has become. He is a great asset to his District and the entire City.”

— Ronald San Felippo resident, Past President of the Historic Third Ward Association