SPRING 2022
HISTORIC THIRD WARD
ISSUE THREE
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VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 3 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JIM PLAISTED DESIGN DIRECTOR MONICA DORO LAYOUT DESIGNER LUCY RAASCH MANAGING EDITOR RUTH LAWSON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LAURIE ARENDT, NAN BIALEK , JORDAN DECHAMBRE, REBECCA KONYA, BOBBY TANZILO, SAGE LAWSON STAFF WRITERS RUTH LAWSON, CELESTE BRUNNER PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC HALVERSON PROOFREADER DANIELLE COTEREL EDITORIAL AND STEERING COMMITTEE LEANN MESTER, MAL MONTOYA, JANET RAASCH, KATHLEEN DOHEART Y PENNISTON, MADDIE WOOD, KATE STRZOK , TRACEY WADSWORTH PUBLISHER HISTORIC THIRD WARD ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT JACK R. LEMMON 525 E CHICAGO STREET, SUITE 102 | MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 OFFICE@HISTORICTHIRDWARD.ORG PRINTED AND MAILED FOX CO. PRINTING
EARLY MORNING IN THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD is my favorite time of day. The quiet promise of the morning transforms daily, from empty streets to a welcome pedestrian and vehicle-filled bustle. This neighborhood change continues at the macro level, as well. Produce companies were still operating on Commission Row on Broadway in the early mornings back when I started in 2006. Large boarded up and empty buildings like 301 N. Broadway quietly waited for someone to come along and breathe new life into them. The change between then, now and what is possible still amazes me. The Ward has changed completely over the past 15 years and I’m curious and excited to see where the next decade will take the neighborhood — new developments, new construction, new neighbors and new challenges. This issue of THREE celebrates a lot of the new juxtapositioned with the already established. My hope is that you, too, will always be excited to see how the community continues to evolve. Creativity - Cuisine - Culture. It’s all here. RUTH LAWSON MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR HISTORIC THIRD WARD ASSOCIATION
FEATURED CONTENT
14 EVENTS
Music, culture, food and more! You won’t want to miss out on Milwaukee’s best events – all in the neighborhood.
16 CHIC SPACES
From rugs to riches, home decor finds a fitting home in the Ward. Hear from local home boutiques and discover how to upgrade your space.
25 COOKING SKILLS
Not only can you buy delicious food at the Milwaukee Public Market, but you can make it, too! Learn from nationally acclaimed chefs in the comfort of the Good Land.
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TRIANGLE GETS A SQUARE
Take a walk in the park through the history of the Third Ward’s most iconic green space, Catalano Square.
18 MEN’S STYLE EDIT 28 AT HOME A PASSION 20 FOR FASHION 30 A DOG WALK Men’s fashion is in the jeans of the Third Ward’s DNA. From MODA3 to Milworks, explore the many options for men in our corner of the city.
The fashion district welcomes a school of fashion! Read about Edessa and their search for a forever home in the neighborhood.
Boring is not in the vocabulary of Tony Nickalls. Learn about their life and art collection nestled along the Milwaukee River.
Do it for the dogs! You can help build the new Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park. Find out how!
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SPRING & SUMMER EVENTS SPACES & TRACES MAY 7
Experience past, present and future all in one tour! Stroll through restored and newly constructed residential and commercial spaces in Milwaukee’s Downtown, Westown, Yankee Hill and Third Ward neighborhoods. Find more information at historicmilwaukee.org/spaces-traces/.
AYRE IN THE SQUARE MAY 21, JUNE 11, JULY 23, AUG. 20
Rock out with the Friends of Catalano Square with beloved local musicians (TBA). Become a Friend or read more at catalanosquare.com/ayre-in-the-square.
WAG AND WINE IN THE WARD MAY 22
Sip wine and celebrate the furry friends of the Ward! Or find out how to support the construction of the Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park and browse local vendors all in Catalano Square.
PRIDEFEST JUNE 2-4
For the first time since 2019, Pridefest returns to its original June dates! Celebrate our vibrant LGBTQ+ community at the Summerfest Grounds. For more information, visit pridefest.com.
POLISH FEST JUNE 10-12
America’s largest Polish Festival returns to the Milwaukee lakefront. Go to polishfest.org to plan your visit.
SUMMERFEST JUNE 23-25, JUNE 30-JULY 2, JULY 7-9
Shake by the lake with over 100 musicians for three straight weekends. Check out all the details at summerfest.com.
GALLERY NIGHT MKE JULY 15 & 16
It’s time to step out and step into Milwaukee galleries once again! Download the Gallery Night MKE app or visit gallerynightmke.com to learn how to turn your weekend into a masterpiece.
GERMAN FEST JULY 29 – 31
Bring the haus down with the most authentic celebration of German food, music and culture. Deutsch miss out and visit germanfest.com for more.
HIS TORIC T HIRDWARD.OR G
MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE OF MILWAUKEE 159 N. Broadway | Milwaukee, WI | mainstreamboutique.com
Chic SPACES
THE HOME MARKET 309 N. WATER ST.
6 SPOTS TO TAKE YOUR HOME DECOR TO THE NE X T LEVEL By Jordan Dechambre | Photography By Eric Halverson
Ready to decorate your new condo — or update your already-cozy space? We’ve got a shop for that! From furniture to home accessories, the Third Ward is a homecentric boutique haven. And local business owners have taken note. “The Third Ward has transformed into a wonderful destination with so many great shops and restaurants, attracting diverse people from all over the area,” says Kate Kazlo, founder and owner of The Home Market. “Being in the neighborhood for 16 years, the vibrant downtown never gets old to me. I truly love what I do in a city I love!”
KATE KAZLO FOUNDER & CEO OF THE HOME MARKET
“I LOVE BEING IN THE THIRD WARD NEIGHBORHOOD BECAUSE IT TRULY IS A NEIGHBORHOOD. MY CLIENTS BECOME MY FRIENDS. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH PETS BEING WALKED AND FAMILIES ENJOY THE RICHNESS THE WARD PROVIDES. IT IS MY SECOND HOME.” – SARAH BECKETT, MCPF, SB FRAMING GALLERY
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HERE’S THE 411 ON A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE HOME BOUTIQUES IN OUR NECK OF THE 414: THE HOME MARKET, 309 N. Water St., specializes in custom furniture, unique home accents, bedding and lighting. The boutique itself is designed to feel collected, not decorated, by mixing organic neutrals and refined details to create a casual, elegant style.
DESIGN WITHIN RE ACH, 167 N. Broadway, offers modern indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting and accessories in the former home of the Wirth & Hammel stables, dating back to 1892. It’s a modern masterpiece in a historic space. At ORLEY SHABAHANG, 151 N. Water St., you’ll find Persian carpets that bring traditional knotting techniques back to life, thanks to the hand spinning of wool by weavers in their home villages. The coveted RESTORATION HARDWARE catalog comes to life — at a fraction of the price — at the Restoration Hardware Outlet, 224 E. Chicago St. Think upscale home interiors, from furniture and textiles to lighting and artwork.
SB FRAMING GALLERY, 409 E. Buffalo St., is custom framing perfection, thanks to the
dedication of owner Sarah Beckett. The shop also offers digital photo editing and restoration — and a collection of shoppable items like Motawi tiles, frames, pottery, jewelry and more.
WEST ELM, 342 N. Water St., brings its national prestige to the Third Ward with a stunning space across from the Milwaukee Public Market. Known for its posh style, West Elm is a home design lover’s paradise, and even offers interior design services.
WEST ELM 342 N. WATER ST.
HARLEYS CO. 244 N. WATER ST.
STYLE EDIT
A GUY ’S GUIDE TO SHOPPING IN THE WARD By Jordan Dechambre | Photography By Eric Halverson It’s no surprise the Historic Third Ward is known for its shopping. From local gems to national retailers, our neighborhood is no stranger to style. And that goes for the guys, too. “When we came up with the concept for MILWORKS | men’s goods, the Third Ward was the only neighborhood we considered for a brick and mortar,” says Jason Meyer, founder & CEO of MILWORKS. “We loved the blend of historic and modern architecture; the high density of retail, restaurants and hotels in one area; and the constant foot traffic from not only locals but travelers and tourists from around the world.”
JASON MEYER FOUNDER & CEO MILWORKS | MEN’S GOODS 18
INTRIGUED? HERE’S A QUICK ROUNDUP OF A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE SPOTS FOR MEN’S FASHION: LIVING IN ST YLE Looking to elevate your everyday style? MILWORKS, located next to neighborhood hangout Catalano Square at 143 N. Broadway, is a rugged yet refined go-to boutique — with a carefully curated selection of men’s clothing, accessories and gifts. Next, lace up and stroll on over to (SHOO), 241 N. Broadway, for a fun selection of men’s footwear and accessories from brands like Birkenstock, Blundstone and Smartwool.
STAY CL ASSY, THIRD WARD For business attire and special events, HARLEYS CO., 244 N. Water St., is a high-end retailer offering designer and custom apparel for men in a blissfully well-appointed space. Or, try NL SUITS, 241 N. Broadway, where every item is made-to-measure for their dapper clients. Merging day-to-day dapper with business chic, UNTUCKit, 241 N. Broadway, is a great choice for shirts that look great, tucked or untucked. With a variety of fits for all shapes and sizes, this national retailer has found a loyal following in downtown Milwaukee.
GOOD SPORT Want to level up your athleisure? Roll into MODA3, 320 E. Buffalo St., for its eclectic skater style and next-level sneaker selection. Plus, it’s a must-shop for all the latest Bucks gear. And don’t miss SNEE X , 316 N. Milwaukee St. (happily nestled between Fool’s Errand and Donut Monster), where can’t-miss street style abounds with cult-fave designer brands like Comme des Garcons, Yeezy, Y-3 and more.
“I HAVE OWNED (SHOO) FOR 16 YEARS IN THE THIRD WARD AND I HAVE LOVED WATCHING THE NEIGHBORHOOD GROW AND BECOME MILWAUKEE’S FASHION DISTRICT. SEEING MENSWEAR RETAILERS POP UP IN THE LAST FEW YEARS HAS BEEN EXCITING AND IS GIVING GENTLEMEN SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO AND DO WHILST SHOPPING WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS.” – KATE BLAKE, OWNER, (SHOO) 19
A PASSION
for Fashion
By Rebecca Konya | Photography By Eric Halverson Starting a new four-year college is not for the faint of heart, but Lynne Dixon-Speller has never been one to back down from a challenge. “I didn’t get into this to quit, and hopefully I’ve inspired others,” says Dixon-Speller of her experience getting the Edessa School of Fashion off the ground. Dixon-Speller dreamed up the idea of building a fashion school from the ground up in June of 2017. She named the college in honor of her late grandmother Edessa Meek Dixon who graduated from Tuskegee University in 1920. She taught Dixon-Speller how to sew and inspired her love of fashion.
“ SHE WAS A SPECIAL WOMAN,” SAID DIXONSPELLER. “I WAS IMPRESSED WITH HER DRIVE. SHE DEFIED THE CULTURE OF THE TIME BY VIRTUE OF PURSUING AN EDUCATION. HER STORY RESONATES WITH MY STUDENTS. IF SHE COULD DO IT BACK THEN, WHAT’S STOPPING THEM NOW?”
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JEFFREY SPELLER, PRESIDENT LYNNE DIXON-SPELLER, ACADEMIC DEAN Before starting Edessa, Dixon-Speller taught at Mount Mary University and the Art Institute of Wisconsin – a now-defunct four-year college with an art and design focus. During her tenure at AI Wisconsin, she served as an adjunct professor, coordinator of the school’s fashion program and eventually interim campus director. Although advisors told Dixon-Speller it would take three to four years to get Edessa off the ground, she didn’t realize just how arduous the process would be. “The state of Wisconsin had never approved a new four-year college,” she says. “It was a learning process for everyone involved. At the end of the day, the experience made us stronger.” With the green light from the state, Edessa welcomed its first group of founding students last fall. The school offers two degree programs — apparel design and fashion marketing.
ABOUT THE FEATURED ARTISTS ANDRE PURDY An apparel design major and Edessa founding student scholarship recipient, Purdy was Milwaukee Fashion Week – Designer of the Year in 2018. His designs were featured on the Winter LookBook cover, MKE Local 2021. His brand, Purdywear, reflects his aesthetic of architectural, ethnic, modern and sexually aware. IG @audacious_hair
STEPHANIE SCHULTZ Schultz is an apparel design major and Edessa founding student scholarship recipient. She was the Pfister Hotel Artist in Residence in 2018. Her brand, Silversark, is inspired by her aesthetic of roantic and historic with a touch of electric modernism. IG @silversarkofficial
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Like other fashion schools, Edessa offers a study abroad program and a New York experience. Students are expected to complete at least one internship and work with faculty members to create a professional portfolio of their work. “Students start learning about fashion the day they enter,” Dixon-Speller says. All of Edessa’s instructors are industry professionals, bringing real-world experience to the classroom. Dixon-Speller is equally proud of Edessa’s diverse administrative staff – the majority of whom are former AI colleagues.
“ WE HAVE A DEEP BENCH WITH EXPERTISE IN FASHION,” DIXON-SPELLER SAID. Seeking to be a leader in the growing Midwest design, manufacturing and retail markets, Edessa is already collaborating with other local universities like Milwaukee School of Engineering. The schools are partnering to offer crossdisciplinary coursework with real-life applications. 22
“It’s been a team effort. People believe in what we’re doing,” says Dixon-Speller. “The synergy is amazing.” Currently hosted in the MARN ART + CULTURE HUB’s Conference Center on Broadway, Edessa is on the hunt for its forever home. “We’re looking at properties in the Third Ward. It’s Milwaukee’s art and fashion district,” says DixonSpeller. “We want to create an urban campus.” LEIDY CASTILLO | MODEL LEIDIANA.CASTILLO@GMAIL.COM LYNNE DIXON-SPELLER | STYLIST EDESSA SCHOOL OF FASHION ACADEMIC DEAN LDIXON@EDESSA.FASHION MARC PATRICK | STYLIST & MODEL COACH LOSTDREAMSPRODUCTION@GMAIL.COM ANDRE PURDY | EDESSA SCHOOL OF FASHION STUDENT DESIGNER (ALL PANTS OUTFITS AND BEIGE FLOWY DRESS) ANDREPURDY@EDESSA.FASHION STEPHANIE SCHULTZ | EDESSA SCHOOL OF FASHION STUDENT DESIGNER (BLACK DRESSES) STEPHANIESCHULTZ@EDESSA.FASHION
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TAKE YOUR COOKING SKILLS TO THE
Next Level By Sage Lawson | Photography By Eric Halverson
WITH THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE on
any given day at the Milwaukee Public Market, it’s easy to overlook their cooking and food demonstration classes nestled in Madame Kuony’s Kitchen on the second floor of the building. Whether you are seeking to amp up your home cooking skills or just want a fun night out with friends at a unique venue, cooking classes at Milwaukee Public Market have a lot to offer. Public Market vendors, local chefs – even nationally known cookbook authors including Rick Bayless and Lidia Bastianich – lead demonstration and hands-on classes in Madame Kuony’s Demonstration Kitchen. Attendees can learn to prepare everything from Italian and French dishes to Korean and Cuban street fare. The market recently collaborated with renowned local chef and “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant Adam Pawlak on a cooking class series featuring a combination of pasta-making and Pawlak’s signature dishes.
(ABOVE) ADAM PAWLAK, CHEF/OWNER EGG & FLOUR, LEADS A COOKING CLASS “ EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE. YOU DON’T NEED PREVIOUS COOKING EXPERIENCE,” SAYS MONIQUE CUNNINGHAM, EVENTS & MEDIA COORDINATOR FOR THE MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET. “OUR COOKING CLASSES ARE DESIGNED TO SHOW THE NOVICE HOW TO PREPARE WONDERFUL DISHES WITH A GOURMET FLAIR, WHILE ALSO APPEALING TO SEASONED VETERANS WHO OFTEN COME AWAY WITH NEW IDEAS AND A FEW THINGS THEY DIDN’T KNOW.” To make reservations, visit milwaukeepublicmarket.org and click the “Classes” tab. Cunningham strongly encourages guests to register early as classes sell out quickly.
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TRIANGLE GETS A square By Bobby Tanzilo | Photography By Eric Halverson
While green spaces and parks dot the Third Ward, Catalano Square is the neighborhood’s highest-profile green space. The centrally located triangle at the foot of Broadway hosts live music, an annual Christmas tree, public art and more.
CATALANO SQUARE IS THE SPOT FOR MANY SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDING 2019’S UNDER ONE MOON EVENT
It also pays tribute to an influential family from the days when the Third Ward was Milwaukee’s Little Italy.
After the 1892 Third Ward fire, when Italians began to settle the once heavily Irish neighborhood in larger numbers, the Catalanos were already there.
“The Catalanos were the Italian family that helped to create the neighborhood,” says Gary Catalano, great-grandson of Vincenzo Catalano.
“A lot of parks are named after people,” says Gary Catalano, “and there is a reason for it. When the square went up in 1984, after the Catalanos were in Milwaukee for 100 years, they asked my dad, Vincent, to do the speech because he was one of the oldest surviving Italians. It was earned.”
Vincenzo and his four brothers – Mariano, Agostino, Giovanni Battista and Antonio – were born in Sicily and traveled to Chicago in the 1880s. Having heard of opportunities in Milwaukee, they hopped on a train.
THE SQUARE HAS EVOLVED OVER TIME. INITIALLY, THE STREET GRID OVERLAID THIS SOUTHERN PART OF THE WARD. IN 1929, THE SHORT YOUNG STREET Once here, the story goes, they saw a produce boat being unloaded and offered to help. After they WAS CARVED THROUGH AT AN ANGLE, CONNECTING were allowed to take produce that had fallen, they MILWAUKEE STREET TO THE NORTH END OF THE PITTSBURGH AVENUE BRIDGE. returned to the train station and sold it to arriving passengers. With the proceeds, they bought more and it wasn’t long before the Catalanos were the city’s largest produce wholesaler, with a building on Broadway’s Commission Row. The produce business still exists today. 26
In 1992, the small patch was enlarged as part of a streetscaping project along Broadway that closed the street between Erie and Menomonee Streets. Changes have continued over the years.
An urban amphitheater and the adjacent Dragotta Fountain were constructed, the latter honoring Frank Dragotta’s family, which operated Dragg’s Bar on the square for nearly a half-century.
In summer, the free Ayre in the Square concert series is held on Saturdays and in the dark of winter, Christmas in the Ward illuminates the neighborhood holiday tree in the square.
The old Dragg’s building has a plaque commemorating the Caradaro Club, birthplace of pizza in Milwaukee, which stood across the street, but was razed in 1979 after a fire.
“When people hear my last name, they ask about Catalano Square,” says Gary’s daughter, Kristin Catalano. “It make(s) me feel a little famous, I suppose. It’s quite an honor, but more so a remembrance and a reminder of how hard the Catalano family worked to make their mark on Milwaukee.”
A sculpture, Pink Planet by Richard Edelman, was added in 2013. One of the streetcar shelters that long perched atop the old 16th Street Viaduct has also found a home in the square. The two buildings on the square are home to loft apartments, MILWORKS men’s shop and the office of lawyer Jay Urban, a Third Ward resident. “Anytime you have a lot of density of people, then green spaces for all to interact are a huge benefit to community, and it was definitely the right idea to close the street to make it,” says Urban.
“ IT HAS SUCH PROMISE DUE TO THE LOCATION AND THE GROWING RESURGENCE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD. THE CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVITIES, THE MUSIC SERIES, RANDOM PICNICS AND WEDDINGS, AND MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART AND DESIGN (MIAD) PROJECTS ARE HEARTWARMING.”
Catalano Square is a reminder of when families called the Third Ward home and children played there before manufacturing became prevalent in the neighborhood. While it bears the name of just one of those families, the park is also a tribute to all those hardworking Italian-American families. But the hundreds of descendants of the five Catalano brothers can take a little extra pride. “Instead of just letting everything go, where nothing is remembered, it will be a part of Milwaukee forever,” says Gary Catalano. “It’s wonderful.”
PREVIOUS TO PARK EXPANSION, BROADWAY WENT THROUGH TO ERIE STREET, WHERE THE FOUNTAIN IS TODAY
WIT H TONY NICK ALL S By Laurie Arendt | Photography By Eric Halverson A journey can be only a thousand steps, or it can last decades, include multiple continents and personal evolution. Such is the journey that brought Tony Nickalls to the Historic Third Ward. A native of England, Nickalls first spent time with their then-wife and three daughters in Pennsylvania before relocating to Milwaukee. After briefly living in a Shorewood sublet, they had the opportunity to view a condo unit on Water Street. “I actually came to see the unit more to see the building,” Nickalls said. “And we ended up buying it.” The unit was one of the first constructed out of the circa-1894 Bradley and Metcalf Shoe Co. building on Water Street. The bright and open condo features partial walls to create the floor plan and provide privacy for the two bedrooms without sacrificing access to light. They changed little other than updating the kitchen area and moved in. 28
NICKALLS’ AFRICAN MASK COLLECTION “ I LOVED THE CREAM CITY BRICK AND THE PATIO THAT OVERLOOKS THE MILWAUKEE RIVER,” NICKALLS SAID. “I’VE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT WATER – HOW IT REFLECTS LIGHT, HOW IT MOVES. I LOVE THE CHANGING SEASONS, AND I LOVE TO KAYAK ALONG THE RIVER. I THINK I HAVE ONE OF THE BEST VIEWS OF THE RIVER HERE.” The condo also provides a great backdrop for their art collection, which includes traditional works inherited from their parents and more thoughtprovoking work by Mexican American artist Herman Aguirre and Bosnia artist Maja Ruznic.
“ I DON’T INTEND TO BUY PRETTY PICTURES,” NICKALLS SAYS. “I LIKE TO BUY THINGS THAT HAVE MEANING.” There is ample space for Nickalls to explore hobbies such as painting, a form of shamanic dancing, and yoga, which they have started teaching. There’s also room to display one of their favorite things: stiletto heels, also a key part of their personal wardrobe. Nickalls says that signature style element helps people remember them in their latest career journey. After 44 years of working in the corporate world as a chemist, Nickalls recently opened Aquae Nguvu Gallery and Studio in the Marshall Building (207 E Buffalo St.). “The gallery name is a combination of Latin and Swahili, and means ‘water spirit,’” they said. Fortunately for Nickalls, their time in the Third Ward right now is made up of many short, easier journeys, from walking to the symphony, shopping or to the gallery, which is only a few blocks away.
A DOG WALK
in the park By Nan Bialek | Renderings By GRAEF
THERE ARE SO MANY “GOOD DOGS” in the Historic Third Ward and downtown Milwaukee, and if all goes according to plan they will soon have a happy place to call their own — the new Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park.
Milwaukee Downtown Inc., Business Improvement District #21 (BID #21), and the Historic Third Ward Business Improvement District #2 (BID #2) are leading the project, which calls for raising $750,000 to create an upscale, 12,000-square-foot park. Plans are to build the park under the I-794 overpass, bounded by the Milwaukee River, West Clybourn Street and North Plankinton Avenue. The city of Milwaukee would invest another $200,000 to extend the Riverwalk to the dog park. Matt Dorner, economic development director for the Downtown BID, says the need for the park is clear given all the new residential growth in the area over the past few years. In talking with developers, he learned that about 50% of the units are occupied by dog owners. Many of the hotels in the area are dog-friendly as well. The park will also be available for people who are returning to their offices after the pandemic and bringing their dogs along, says Paul Schwartz, executive director of Milwaukee Public Market and BID #2. 30
DRINK WISCONSINBLY’S DOG HAPPY HOUR
The group has researched dog park designs throughout the country. The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park will feature many amenities in addition to the extended Riverwalk, including specific areas for small dogs and large dogs, agility stations, public art and donor recognition. Since the area is covered by the overpass and does not get a lot of direct sun, synthetic turf will be used instead of grass to avoid turning the area into a muddy mess. Plans include having a staff member on site to manage the park and ensure that both dogs and their owners are using good dog park etiquette.
“ AROUND THE COUNTRY, DOG PARKS ARE NOT JUST A DOG AMENITY, THEY ARE PLACES FOR PEOPLE TO SOCIALIZE AND GET TOGETHER,” SCHWARTZ POINTS OUT. “IT CERTAINLY WILL BE A SOCIAL HUB.”
On a recent Sunday near Catalano Square, Beaux, a black and white beagle-houndsamoyed-rottweiler-mutt mix, and his buddy Jon were out for a stroll. Jon said they would welcome a dog park close to home and would probably use it often.
“ BEAUX NEEDS SOME INTERACTION WITH OTHER DOGS, SO THAT WOULD BE REALLY NICE FOR HIM,” JON NOTES. “I’VE HAD SOME REALLY GOOD EXPERIENCES WITH A DOG PARK IN COMMUNITY-BUILDING SO I THINK IT’D BE AN AWESOME ADDITION TO MILWAUKEE AND FOR RESIDENTS OF THE THIRD WARD.” Fundraising is ongoing. In addition to local philanthropists and corporate donors, Schwartz says the project is benefiting from hundreds of individual donors who are contributing through the park’s website and at special fundraising events. (See sidebar) Last year, the Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park was awarded a $25,000 Bark for Your Park grant from PetSafe based on support of the community through a voting process.
JOHN LUDWIG AND RILEY, OWNER OF RILEY’S SANDWHICH SHOP COMING SOON TO THE WARD
FUNDRAISING FOR THE NEW DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE DOG PARK IS ALMOST AS FUN AS THE PARK ITSELF! CURRENT TAIL-WAGGING EVENTS INCLUDE: DRINK WISCONSINBLY WAG WEDNESDAYS Monthly dog-themed Wag Wednesdays events at Drink Wisconsinbly, 320 W. Highland, benefit the Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park, with 10% of proceeds going to the cause.
Dorner and Schwartz say once capital funds are secured, construction will begin.
WINE AND WAG AROUND THE WARD SUNDAY, MAY 22
“We hope we can get shovels in the ground sometime this year,” Dorner says.
Gather at Catalano Square from 1-4pm. While pups play in the park, owners will have a chance to taste some specially curated wines – available in flights or by the glass. Plus, there will be local vendors, a food truck, and entertainment to enjoy. Proceeds from wine sales and event T-shirt sales will benefit the MKE Dog Park! To learn more or to donate, visit MKEDogPark.com or follow @MKEDogPark.
“EVERYONE THINKS THEY HAVE THE BEST DOG. AND NONE OF THEM ARE WRONG.” – W.R. PURCHE
THREE MAGAZINE
HISTORIC THIRD WARD ASSOCIATION 525 EAST CHICAGO ST. MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 414.273.1173 | HISTORICTHIRDWARD.ORG