THREE: Volume 2, Issue 5

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 5

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JIM PLAISTED DESIGN DIRECTOR MONICA DORO LAYOUT DESIGNER LUCY RAASCH

MANAGING EDITOR JORDAN DECHAMBRE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

LAURIE ARENDT, KRISTINE HANSEN, MOLLY SNYDER, BOBBY TANZILO STAFF WRITERS JORDAN DECHAMBRE PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC HALVERSON

EDITORIAL AND STEERING COMMITTEE

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

HISTORIC THIRD WARD ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT JACK R. LEMMON 525 E. CHICAGO ST., SUITE 102 | MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 OFFICE@HISTORICTHIRDWARD.ORG

PRINTED AND MAILED FOX CO. PRINTING

WE ARE THE FOURTH BEST ARTS DISTRICT in the United States! And yes, we hope to move up next year to No. 1. I arrived in Milwaukee in 2015 and quickly fell in love with the Historic Third Ward. There is a deep sense of history here, as well as a sense of excitement and vibrancy in our little part of the city. The Historic Third Ward Association (HTWA) has two roles. The first is to let everyone know of our awesomeness by promoting our theatres, galleries, boutiques, bars, restaurants and more. The second role is to support all the various sectors that live, work and play here. Becoming a member of the HTWA helps us undertake our work. You help by telling us your thoughts and suggestions. In turn, we keep you informed about what’s happening — or might be happening. Each and every member helps us keep the Historic Third Ward a special and vibrant place. Creativity - Cuisine - Culture. It’s all here.

JACK R. LEMMON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, HISTORIC THIRD WARD ASSOCIATION

COME FOR SANTA AND THE REINDEER … STAY FOR THE TREE LIGHTING, FIREWORKS SHOW, LIVE MUSIC, CHRISTMAS COOKIES AND SO MUCH MORE AT CHRISTMAS IN THE WARD.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WINTER 2022

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

NOV. 26

Move over, Black Friday: Skip the mall and support your community by shopping the local businesses of the Historic Third Ward this holiday season. Kick off your pledge to #ShopSmall all season long on Small Business Saturday. Several businesses in the Historic Third Ward will offer special deals to shop local and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Visit historicthirdward.org and click on “Events” to see a full list of participating businesses — then get ready to show your MKE love and #ShopSmall! historicthirdward.org

CHRISTMAS IN THE WARD

DEC. 2

Santa and his reindeer. Live music. A stunning tree lighting. The “Reindeer District.” A dazzling winter fireworks display. It must be Christmas in the Ward! Milwaukee’s most beloved Christmas celebration brings a holly jolly evening of friends, family and holiday cheer! Hannah, 95.7 BIG FM’s afternoon drive host, kicks off the evening just after 5 p.m. Don’t miss those cocoa cocktails, mulled wine, tasty s’mores, food trucks and so much more! historicthirdward.org

SHOP THE WARD DEC. 3-23

Don’t forget to Shop the Ward this holiday season! Follow us on Instagram at @historicthirdward — we’ll be giving away gift cards to local retailers every day Dec. 3-23. historicthirdward.org

UPCOMING EVENTS | WINTER 2022

MILWAUKEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL

NOV. 17, 2022–JAN. 1, 2023

Lights, camera, Christmas! Take a stroll or drive through more than 500,000 lights throughout Downtown Milwaukee. Don’t miss the perfect opportunity to get a last-minute Christmas card moment! milwaukeedowntown.com

MISERY

NOV. 18–DEC. 18

Whether a newcomer to the story or a devoted fan, this spine-tingling, tense cat-and-mouse stage adaptation by Milwaukee Chamber Theatre will grip you until the very end. milwaukeechambertheatre.org

A JOLLY HOLIDAY

NOV. 18–DEC. 31

Ring in the holidays with a brand-new musical revue featuring 30 favorite songs from Disney’s biggest Broadway hits at Skylight Music Theatre. A cast of phenomenal singers — including an ensemble of talented youth performers — will celebrate the season in style with a festive holiday party for the ages. skylightmusictheatre.org

HISTORICTHIRDWARD.ORG

MIAD HOLIDAY SALE

DEC. 2-3

A holiday tradition held every year during the first weekend of December, this is your opportunity to purchase one-ofa-kind art and design works created by MIAD students and alumni at affordable prices. Plus, 70% of sale proceeds support the participating student artists and designers — and 30% benefits MIAD student scholarships. miad.edu

HOVER CRAFT DEC. 4

A holiday season favorite, shop the creations of more than 100 local artists, crafters, makers, designers and creatives at The Pritzlaff. hovercraftmke.com

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?

JAN. 20-FEB. 12, 2023

A must-see masterpiece in its first Milwaukee production in over two decades. A hilarious and harrowing classic that forever changed the face of the American theater, presented by Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. milwaukeechambertheatre.org

EVITA

FEB. 3-19, 2023

A seven-time Tony Award-winning megawatt musical! This production marks the first time Skylight Music Theatre has presented a Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. “Evita” follows Eva Duarte and her meteoric rise from impoverished child, to wife of Argentine president Juan Perón, to becoming the most powerful woman in Latin America. skylightmusictheatre.org

FROM THE PROS SHOPPING PICKS

So, you’ve got your list and you’ve checked it twice. The question is: With the plethora of posh shops dotting the Historic Third Ward, where do you start? We asked five neighborhood insiders for their favorite places to shop for friends and family during the holiday season. Consider this your gift of holiday shopping inspiration!

By Jordan Dechambre

BROADWAY PAPER

“My favorite place to shop (other than the Milwaukee Public Market, of course) would have to be MODA3. At MODA3 there is literally something for everyone, and it’s an excellent place for holiday gifts. In addition, I also enjoy the Lily Pad Gallery (with rotating artists like Bethann Moran-Handzlik) and the Portrait Society Gallery of Contemporary Art (featuring Dave Niec) — those are two of my favorite Wisconsin artists.”

ELLEN KULLERSTRAND, OPERATIONS & EVENTS DIRECTOR, MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET

“I love to wander through the neighborhood looking for holiday goodies for friends, family and — let’s face it — me! A great place to find a party dress and all the . For stocking stuffers, Broadway Milwaukee Public Market and 2A Wine

“MARN ART + CULTURE HUB is a great addition to the neighborhood. They have unique and beautifully crafted pieces of art. The artists continue to change, which makes you want to go in regularly to see what they have. I have found their vases and jewelry to be great options … Thief Wine continues to be a gem in the neighborhood. And wine is always a great gift. The staff can assist with finding the perfect bottle of wine or spirits. MOD GEN has something for everybody. Great Christmas ornaments and housewares and a wonderful selection of plants, children’s games and great cards. And MODA3 is a year-round go-to for Milwaukee sports apparel and other fun gifts.”

ANDREW WADSWORTH, RESIDENT AND HISTORIC THIRD WARD ASSOCIATION MEMBER

“Shopping in the Third Ward is a favorite pastime for me. Since I am a mature woman (lol!), I adore shopping at my friend Jeanette Dvorak’s shop, Mainstreet Boutique. Love, love, love that place. I always find something unique, vibrant and perfect for my taste. The ability to not just buy a top or dress but the entire look is great. SB Framing is where I love to buy artistic gifts for others; Retique is all about the thrill of the hunt; everyone loves a great deal. And, of course, the Milwaukee Public Market. If you can’t find your happy there, you aren’t looking!”

CINDY LESKY, RETAIL PARKING MANAGER, BID #2

“As a 28-year-old living and working in the city, I’m always on the hunt for a convenient and unique shopping experience. When I’m in need of a last-minute gift, I find myself wandering the aisles at Broadway Paper. They offer something for everyone, from Milwaukee and Wisconsinthemed gifts to special occasions and even fun, animalthemed stocking stuffers. Now, when the time comes where I feel like treating myself, stepping into Performance Running Outfitters is my guilty pleasure. In a world full of online shopping, there is truly nothing better than attentive, in-person customer service!”

MONIQUE CUNNINGHAM, MEDIA COORDINATOR, MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET

GLOBAL GASTRONOMY

DINE LOCALLY, EAT GLOBALLY AT THESE THIRD WARD RESTAURANTS WITH DEEP ROOTS IN THEIR CULINARY HERITAGE

By Kristine Hansen | Photography By Eric Halverson

With its variety of ethnic restaurants, dining out in the Third Ward is akin to hopping a plane to another country. Only, without leaving Milwaukee, you can experience multiple epicurean destinations in one weekend.

What makes these the real deal is that the owners and chefs, whose roots are the same as the menu, fold in cultural influences as a love letter to their homeland.

This includes Saffron (223 N. Water St.), which Fatima and Hanish Kumar opened in June 2022, introducing their take on modern Indian cuisine. “These recipes are authentic Indian food, which you will find in India. We wanted to incorporate all regions of India. We are trying to make the entire menu as inclusive as we can,” explains Fatima, who moved to Mequon from Pakistan as a child.

Dishes inspired across different regions of India include Saffron Butter Chicken, a Northern Indian specialty of smoked chicken in a red pepper/tomato sauce and accented with fenugreek. Salmon Alleppey Curry, which infuses salmon with green mango, roasted curry leaves and cilantro-infused coconut curry, stems from Southern India. Wisconsin comes into play with locally grown produce, including Instagram-friendly edible flowers topping many dishes.

YOU’LL FIND A MODERN — AND DELICIOUS — TRANSLATION OF AUTHENTIC INDIAN DISHES AT SAFFRON.

“

THE CREAMINESS OF THE SAUCE DEFINES A BUTTER CHICKEN THAT IS FROM INDIA,” SAYS HANISH, WHO WAS BORN IN DELHI AND LIVED IN LONDON, CHICAGO AND NEW YORK CITY BEFORE ARRIVING IN MILWAUKEE IN 2011. “THAT’S A DISH INVENTED IN THE 1950S. I HAVE GROWN UP EATING THIS DISH ALL THE TIME. IT TAKES ME BACK TO INDIA.”

Two other partners — Hanish’s brother and sister-in-law (Amrita and Manish Kumar), who live in New York City — as well as chef Abhishek Patil, who attended culinary school in India and previously cooked in New York City, work with the Kumars to define their vision. “All of us have had different journeys,” says Fatima of the group influence on the menu.

What also sets Saffron apart from typical Indian eateries is the craft cocktail list. It’s not a roster of classic cocktails you can order at any bar or restaurant. “Each drink has its own story to it,” says Fatima, referencing concoctions such as Cardamom Mezcal or Goan Mai Tai. Spirits, craft beers and wine are sourced — as much as possible — from local businesses owned by women and minorities.

Like the Kumars, Nini Buranabunyut — who grew up in Northeast Thailand, near Laos — teamed up with others (Dear Panyasopa and Kim Kongsin) to open Thai-namite (400 N. Water St., in the Milwaukee Public Market) in 2015. A former economics professor in Thailand, she also helped run her family’s rice mill; business skills that easily transferred to restaurant management. Before the Milwaukee Public Market, Buranabunyut opened a location on Brady Street and in 2016 brought Thai-namite to Wauwatosa. Panyasopa’s family’s recipes from central Thailand drive the

(LEFT TO RIGHT) SAFFRON CO-OWNERS HANISH AND FATIMA KUMAR, WITH CHEF ABHISHEK PATIL.

menu, but there’s also some Japanese influence sprinkled in, like 30-some sushi rolls ranging from recognizable options like Spicy Tuna or California to highly localized inventions highly localized inventions such as the Green Bay Packers roll, featuring smoked salmon, cream cheese, cilantro and jalapeno, topped with avocado.

As a nod to central Thailand, including Bangkok, many dishes on the menu feature palm sugar and coconut milk. “Pad Thai is pretty much from that region,” says Buranabunyut of her favorite Thai-namite dish. Thin rice noodles are topped with crushed peanuts, fried egg, chopped green onions and bean sprouts. Shrimp, tofu or vegetables can be added to this classic Thai dish too.

Introducing favorite dishes to a new audience allows for creative twists. For example, Eduardo Alarcon and his family, who own Margarita Paradise (400 N. Water St., in the Milwaukee Public Market), are from Guatemala and Honduras. Those influences accent a mostly Mexican menu. “My favorite is always the tacos and the tamales,” says Alarcon.

While Margarita Paradise opened 13 years ago, the family’s experience in owning restaurants

NOTEWORTHY NOSH

“

goes farther back to Taco Miga during the late 1990s. Margarita Paradise used to be in West Allis, too, before closing in 2013. The family also runs MP Taqueria in Eagle. Dividing responsibilities among the family allows for each member to operate at their best.

WE’RE A FAMILY THAT LOVES TO COOK AND LOVES TO ENTERTAIN,” SAYS ALARCON. “WE LIKE TO TREAT EVERYONE LIKE FAMILY. [MY MOM AND SISTER] ARE HERE EARLY IN THE MORNING, MAKING TAMALES.” Margarita Paradise is also an homage to Alarcon’s late father, who worked for El Rey and helped start its tortilla factory. He also ran two brick-and-mortar restaurants, one on South 27th Street in Milwaukee and the other on Silvernail Road in Pewaukee.

Whether it’s Mexican, Indian or Thai food, it’s clear the Third Ward was a good move for these restaurateurs, where locals and those who frequent the neighborhood prefer a deep dive into culture, even if only for lunch or dinner.

“The Third Ward’s just been so kind [to us],” says Fatima Kumar.

ASIAN FUSION

Lucky Ginger, 221 N. Water St.

BELGIAN

Press Au Marche (waffles), 207 E. Buffalo St., or Café Benelux, 346 N. Broadway

CHINESE

Dandan, 360 E. Erie St., or Jing’s, 207 E. Buffalo St.

ITALIAN

Onesto, 221. N. Broadway

JAPANESE

Kanpai Izakaya, 408 E. Chicago St.

KOREAN

Char’d, 222 E. Erie St.

MEDITERRANEAN

Tre Rivali, 200 N. Broadway

GLOBAL STREET FOOD

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilarita, 249 N. Water St.

MIDDLE EASTERN

Aladdin, Tastes of the East, Milwaukee Public Market

SPANISH

Cavas, 401 E. Erie St.

EDUARDO ALARCON, OWNER OF MARGARITA PARADISE IN THE MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET.

CIAO, ITALIA!

COMMISSION ROW/BROADWAY, C.1915; ROSA LALLI CAMILO (HOLDING HANDKERCHIEF) BIDDING FAREWELL TO LOVED ONES FROM THE DECK OF THE DUCA DI SAVOIA, PORT OF NAPLES, 1935

ITALIAN ROOTS RUN DEEP IN THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD

By Bobby Tanzilo, Senior Editor/Writer, OnMilwaukee.com Photography courtesy of the Italian Community Center Archives

WHEN — AFTER A TWO-YEAR HIATUS —

Festa Italiana was held this September in the parking lot of the Italian Community Center (ICC) at 631 E. Chicago St., it marked a return to the festival’s roots. Milwaukee’s first lakefront ethnic festival, Festa Italiana is an extension of the colorful street festivals that have always been the domain of American Little Italys. And hard as it might be to believe now, the Historic Third Ward was once a vibrant Little Italy.

The neighborhood was the birthplace of Milwaukee pizza at Caradaro Club, and home to the first Vitucci’s tavern. The long-beloved Mamie’s Grotto and the popular Italian Village restaurant drew Milwaukee celebrities and hoi polloi alike to revel in the Ward.

Italian produce wholesalers plied their trade on Commission Row, around the corner from where they lived; LoDuca brothers sold accordions.

THE “LITTLE PINK CHURCH” (THE BLESSED VIRGIN OF POMPEII) AND AN ITALIAN PROTESTANT MISSION BATTLED FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD’S SOULS. THE OLD THIRD WARD SCHOOL (ALSO KNOWN AS THE JACKSON STREET SCHOOL) EDUCATED NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN BY DAY AND TAUGHT ENGLISH AND OTHER SKILLS TO IMMIGRANT ADULTS BY NIGHT.

But it wasn’t always so.

The first Italians who arrived in Milwaukee, as far back as before the Civil War, scattered in various parts of town. In fact, Bay View and West Allis would come to boast Italian concentrations of their own.

UT LABORE ET DOLORE MAGNA ALIQUA. (ABOVE) ALWAYS A CROWD PLEASER AT FESTA ITALIANA, THE SABANDIERATORI ITALIAN FLAG THROWERS; (BELOW) A 1952 LO DUCA ACCORDIAN CLUB CONCERT

The Third Ward was predominantly German, then Irish, before the devastating fire of 1892 sent most to other neighborhoods. As the neighborhood rebuilt, newly arrived Italians — mostly from the southern provinces and especially Sicily — moved in, and it wasn’t long before the district had a distinctly Italian flavor.

In 1886, there were less than 400 Italians in Milwaukee. By 1910, there were 3,000 in the Third Ward alone.

“In its earliest days,” wrote the late Mario Carini, former community leader and ICC president, “the old Third Ward did not have the color and flavor of a ‘Little Italy’ that its church, restaurants and grocery stores would lend it in later years. But to the majority of newly arrived monolingual immigrants, it was seen as the only avenue open to them to meet their basic needs.

“They found their first job opportunities as unskilled daily laborers with the railroads, the utility companies, at city hall and in the garment factories — all located within the immediate area. Moreover, housing could be secured in the old Third Ward.”

All that began to change as some found the means to move to better housing in the Brady Street area and elsewhere. When “urban renewal” came to the Ward at the dawn of the 1960s, it spelled the end as entire blocks of homes were bulldozed, Jackson Street School’s soaring tower fell and, in 1967, even the beloved Little Pink Church was erased for freeway construction.

It wasn’t until the Italian Community Center opened in the “old neighborhood” in 1990 that the Third Ward’s Italian roots resprouted. Today, as apartments and condos have brought residents back to the Third Ward, the ICC, Festa Italiana, Catalano Square and Pompeii Square stand as frequent reminders of the community that came to the Third Ward as Italians and departed as Americans.

FIVE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER

The Italian Community Center, which sits just outside Summerfest’s main gate, is the most visible reminder of the importance of the Third Ward to Milwaukee’s Italian-American community. But did you know …

1.

Although plans for an Italian Community Center were discussed as early as the 1950s, it wasn’t until 1978 that the ICC was officially organized at 816 E. Brady St.

2.

In 1980, the ICC bought a home of its own on Hackett Avenue. While it wasn’t in the Third Ward (as many had hoped), the building was appropriate in that the 1915 former Masonic lodge — designed by architects Leenhouts and Guthrie — resembled a Venetian gothic palazzo.

3.

Like the ICC, Festa Italiana also debuted in 1978. The first of the ethnic festivals at the Summerfest grounds, Festa — which sparked a series of festivals like German Fest, Irish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, Polish Fest and others — was planned as a fundraiser for an ICC building.

In 1989, the Italian community unveiled plans for a sprawling new development in the Third Ward. The property was once home to the railroad coach yards, as well as the staging grounds for The Great Circus Parade. Though the plans were scaled back, the $6.8 million Italian Community Center opened in September 1990.

5.

In addition to event space, a restaurant, meeting rooms for Italian societies, bocce courts and classrooms, the Italian Community Center boasts an incredible collection of historical photographs of Milwaukee’s Italian community. The collection was curated by the late Mario Carini, the unofficial “official” historian of the community.

& COMMUNITY CULTURE

HISTORIC MARSHALL BUILDING HOUSES CREATIVE TENANTS FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY

By Molly Snyder, Editorial Manager/Senior Writer, OnMilwaukee.com

When Holly Harris moved to Milwaukee from Florida, she was smitten with the Third Ward from the moment she wandered into the neighborhood. And when she walked into The Marshall Building, 207 E. Buffalo St., she knew it was the perfect spot to open her original art and interior design business, Holly Harris Studios.

“

I IMMEDIATELY LIKED WHAT THE BUILDING REPRESENTED. IT’S A COMMUNITY OF LIKEMINDED PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT JUST ARTISTS BUT ALSO OTHER PROFESSIONALS,” SAYS HARRIS.

At the time, however, there were no vacancies in the building; Harris decided to wait for an opening.

“I immediately felt so comfortable here,” says Harris. “So, I kept pestering Bob (DeToro, owner of the Marshall Building) until a space opened on the fifth floor and I moved right in.”

DeToro is the grandson of George Bockl, who purchased the building in 1947. Built in 1906, the five-story structure was originally named the John Hoffman & Sons Grocery Building, featuring a wholesale grocer that specialized in manufacturing coffee, tea and spices. The sixth floor was added in 1911 to accommodate Hoffman’s Coffee Roasters.

At the time of its construction, the box-shaped building with recessed columns of windows was considered groundbreaking. Renowned structural engineer Claude A.P. Turner invented a new construction system, aptly named The Turner System, and made the building his test project. Today, the sturdy Marshall Building is the oldest example of Turner’s visionary construction method.

THE START OF THE MARSHALL BUILDING AS WE KNOW IT TODAY — A CREATIVE HUB FEATURING THE WORK OF MORE THAN 70 CREATIVE TENANTS — HAPPENED IN 1974 WHEN BOCKL TRANSFORMED THE BUILDING INTO AN INCUBATOR FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, ARTISTS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE. HE KEPT THE RENTS LOW SO TENANTS COULD AFFORD A SPACE TO HONE THEIR SKILLS AND GROW THEIR BUSINESSES.

BOB DETORO, OWNER OF THE MARSHALL BUILDING, WHICH HAS BEEN OWNED BY HIS FAMILY FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS.

Almost five decades later, The Marshall Building remains accessible, diverse and thriving. The spaces are filled with myriad services and workspaces, including art galleries/studios, restaurants, photographers, personal trainers, massage therapists, counselors, marketing/web design professionals, law offices, several nonprofits, a software company, men’s clothing shop, AT&T retail store, florist, printing company and an escape room.

“The Marshall Building provides the Third Ward with a place where you can still find smaller, affordable offices and studios along with traditional larger offices. We are a perfect environment for young entrepreneurs to start out,” says DeToro. “The best part is the vibe, and that is really generated from all the great tenants we have here. It’s just a fun place to be. It is a very laid back, nonstuffy atmosphere where everyone feels welcome — because they are.”

In 2015, the late architect and urban landscape painter Hal Koenig moved into the Marshall Building and opened Oil: A City Gallery. When Koenig passed away in 2019, his husband Robert Schwoch inherited the gallery.

“I thought about getting rid of it. I didn’t know how I would keep the gallery going without Hal. But it became a place of refuge for me. So much so that I decided to retire from teaching at UWMadison and make the gallery my main thing,” says Schwoch. “We have a wonderful combination of artists and art-lovers who support each other.”

Fred Gillich has a similar sentiment. In 2011, Gillich moved his hometown streetwear and T-shirt brand Too Much Metal (now 414 Milwaukee) to the building because he was drawn to the tenants and the positive energy they create.

I MOVED IN BECAUSE OF THE CREATIVE CULTURE. IT’S A HEALTHY AND EXPRESSIVE ENVIRONMENT,” SAYS GILLICH. “THE MARSHALL BUILDING BRINGS THE SPIRIT OF AN AUTHENTIC, INDEPENDENT ARTS AND PROFESSIONAL CULTURE. IT’S A TOUCHSTONE FOR MILWAUKEE CREATIVITY.”

FACES OF THE MARSHALL BUILDING (RIGHT) FRED GILLICH, OWNER OF 414 MILWAUKEE (BELOW) ROBERT SCHWOCK, OWNER OF OIL: A CITY GALLERY

ADVOCATES FOR THE WARD

City of Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, 4th District Alderman Robert Bauman and County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson walk the talk when it comes to the Historic Third Ward. Not only do they recognize the district’s role in moving Milwaukee forward — they also spend time in and celebrate the unique attributes of the bustling downtown neighborhood. Here, three of Milwaukee’s most notable public officials chat about the Third Ward’s spaces, places and bright future.

By Jordan Dechambre | Photography By Eric Halverson

ALDERMAN ROBERT BAUMAN

4 TH DISTRICT ALDERMAN | CITY OF MILWAUKEE

Q. What’s one of your favorite Third Ward moments, or fondest memories in the neighborhood?

A. “The annual Christmas in the Ward. It brings together residents, workers and visitors for an evening of celebration and enjoyment. The Ward is alive with pedestrians, adorned with holiday lights and decorations, and all the storefronts are vibrant and busy. It is a very special urban experience, especially when the temperature is mild and light snow is falling.”

Q. How would you describe the Third Ward to someone who has never visited?

A. “The Third Ward has become Milwaukee’s most dynamic neighborhood. The Ward contains many late 19th century mid-rise industrial and commercial buildings of varied and interesting architectural significance. This building stock has been skillfully transformed into a mix of residential, commercial, retail and hospitality use, all while retaining the feel of the Ward’s industrial past. In addition, portions of the Ward have seen new infill development that builds upon that industrial heritage. The net result is a neighborhood that is pedestrian-friendly, architecturally significant and offers an attractive mix of housing, office, retail and hospitality uses unique to Milwaukee.”

Q. Where do you see the Historic Third Ward headed as we look toward the future of Milwaukee?

A. “The Third Ward has seen tremendous growth over the last 25 years — but there are still significant portions of the Ward that are covered by surface parking lots and other underutilized space. I envision continued development of these areas, building on the residential, commercial, retail and hospitality development that has already occurred. I also envision the HOP being extended through the Third Ward to improve connectivity between downtown and Walker’s Point — and an increased emphasis on pedestrian, bicycle and other alternative transportation infrastructure.”

MAYOR CAVALIER JOHNSON

A. “When I’m in the Third Ward, I always think about good food at restaurants that have a friendly vibe. I enjoy stopping in at businesses and exploring. And it’s worth going out of one’s way to take in an art festival or Gallery Night in the Third Ward. Without a doubt, my favorite memory is a romantic dinner with my wife at Onesto on Broadway.”

Q. What’s on your Third Ward “must do” list? Or a favorite memory?

CITY OF MILWAUKEE

Q. How would you describe the Third Ward to someone who has never visited?

A. “The Third Ward has genuine character — a unique location that never tries to imitate and always sets its own course. You will find stores and restaurants that are full of surprises. It’s also a great place for people — people watching and sharing experiences with friends.”

Q. What role do you think the Third Ward plays in continued growth of the City of Milwaukee?

A. “The Third Ward has set a great example for the entire city by respecting and embracing the past while welcoming new, complementary additions. The Third Ward shows that density — people and businesses in close proximity — can be a very positive attribute. I want the Third Ward to grow while keeping its character, and that includes building out underutilized spaces and increasing residential options in the area.”

CHAIRWOMAN MARCELIA NICHOLSON

MILWAUKEE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS | 10 TH DISTRICT/THIRD WARD

Q. What’s on your Third Ward “must do” list?

A. “I’m lucky to live across from NL Suits — an amazing Black-owned business. I was honored to be one of the first women for whom he designed. Whether I’m presenting to people across the country on Zoom or traveling to Madison to talk to legislators, I always grab for my custom-made suit. As a plant mom, you’ll catch me at MOD GEN! My home is filled with plants and now my office, too. And you can’t miss checking out The Outsider at The Journeyman Hotel.”

Q. What role do you think the Third Ward plays in continued growth of the City of Milwaukee?

A. “One of the best things about the Third Ward is there is always a new restaurant, business or shop opening, drawing in diverse economic development. As we see other neighborhoods across Milwaukee making strides to create new, exciting experiences, the Third Ward can serve as a model for success. I would love to see another Third Ward come to life organically on the northwest or south side of the city as we embrace young entrepreneurs of color and work to get them the resources they need to thrive. Bronzeville gives me the same effervescent spirit!”

Q. What’s one of your favorite Third Ward moments, or fondest memories in the neighborhood?

A. “Growing up in Milwaukee, I always loved spending time in the Third Ward. In the evenings, I would meet friends for dinner and on the weekends, we would go shopping. I always imagined the day I could finally live there. My fondest memory is when I was handed the keys to my Third Ward condo and officially joined this vibrant community as a homeowner. I feel completely welcomed. You will often catch me walking the neighborhood visiting businesses, talking to neighbors and picking up “my usual” at our local restaurants.”

AN INSPIRED SPACE

IN THE CASE OF JOHN GRANT AND CLINTON WALTERS, HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

By Laurie Arendt | Photography By John Grant Photography

WHILE MANY LOCALS have been fortunate to attend an event or two in the Pritzlaff building, John Grant and Clinton Walters are even luckier to call this iconic building home.

“I was looking for a new studio space, and ideally I wanted a work/live studio,” says Grant. “I moved in before the Pritzlaff became what it is today. One of the reasons was the developer, Kendall Breunig, and how collaborative he has been with the arts community over the years.”

THE CONDO OF JOHN GRANT AND CLINTON WALTERS IS A STUNNING EXAMPLE OF A LIVE-WORK SPACE THAT SHINES, THANKS TO THE CREATIVITY OF THE COUPLE AND THE SUPPORT OF PRITZLAFF BUILDING OWNER KENDALL BREUNIG.

“

Grant was able to use the space as a virtual photographic playground, taking advantage of the historic space but also the natural light exposure via the large windows. He ultimately decided to set up permanent camp in the connector floor over the carport, turning it into a one-bedroom living space that also includes his studio/gallery.

CLINTON AND I DID A LOT OF WORK ON THE OLD FLOORS – WE HAVE 100+-YEAR-OLD OAK FLOORS, SOME OF THE ONLY ONES LEFT THAT ARE ORIGINAL TO THE BUILDING — AND WE BASICALLY KNOW EVERY NAIL AND SCREW IN OUR SPACE. WE DID THE CABINETS, THE TILING; BASICALLY EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE PLUMBING,” HE SAYS. “AND KENDALL HAD THIS GREAT TRUST IN US TO DO IT.”

THE STUDIO

The result is a large space, about two thirds devoted to workspace and a third to living space, though there is some overlap. The unit is home to John Grant Photography (johngrantphotography. com), and Walter’s new venture, Pawcasso (pawcasso.com), which is art created from an unusual inspiration: dog-nose smudged windows.

Clearly, the couple have achieved their goals in designing a spectacular space. More than once, Grant has had clients come for sittings and ask if he’s interested in selling his unit as well.

The answer is always no.

Find the care you need close to home

From the routine to the unexpected, you can count on compassionate, personalized care from care teams at Ascension Medical Group WisconsinThird Ward. This includes giving you access to a variety of services right in your own neighborhood. And it all starts with listening to best understand you and your health concerns.

Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin Third Ward 174 N. Broadway Milwaukee, WI 53202

Specialties

• Primary Care

• Obstetrics

• Lab Services

• Behavioral Health • Vaccinations

• Sports physicals • Blood tests • Screenings • And more