FALL/ WINTER 2023
HISTORIC THIRD WARD
ISSUE EIGHT
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Historic & Traditional Worship in Milwaukee’s Third Ward
Sundays @ 10:00 a.m.
St.Edmund’s MILWAUKEE – THIRD WARD
An Ancient Faith for Modern Times
2nd Floor of the Historic Pritzlaff Building 313 North Plankinton Avenue, #207 Milwaukee, WI 53203 www.StEdmundsMKE.org info@StEdmundsMKE.org
Where every night is Gallery Night.
VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 8 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 DOHEART Y 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
WHAT AN HONOR IT IS TO BE A PART OF THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD NEIGHBORHOOD, where we celebrate art, culture and community at its highest level on the daily! When you peruse this issue of THREE, you will see that commitment to creativity and artistic expression is a common thread that connects so many people, places and spaces in the Ward. When the Milwaukee Artist Resource Network (MARN) opened our current location at 191 N. Broadway in the Historic Third Ward, it was our goal to reimagine how great local art is being offered to those who enjoy their work. The result of our vision can be seen in our ART + CULTURE HUB, where every day is Gallery Night! Although credit must be given to many, including all at the HTWA, it must be noted that since MARN opened its HUB in 2019, the Historic Third Ward has been recognized nationally as one of the top five U.S. Arts Districts in the nation. MARN is very proud to be recognized along with the likes of Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, and others who are working every day to culturally enrich the lives of those who visit and or call the Historic Third Ward home. Creativity - Cuisine - Culture. It’s all here. MAL MONTOYA PRESIDENT AND CEO, MARN BOARD CHAIR, CREATE WISCONSIN BOARD TREASURER, HISTORIC THIRD WARD ASSOCIATION
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FEATURED CONTENT
20 ON THE COVER: IT’S FALL, Y’ALL IN CATALANO SQUARE. PHOTO BY ERIC HALVERSON
11 EVENTS 15 QUICK BITES 18 THE SCENE
Small Business Saturday, Christmas in the Ward, Gallery Night MKE, theater season & more.
The latest neighborhood news of note.
There’s always something happening in the Historic Third Ward. The best way to stay in the know? Become a Historic Third Ward Association (HTWA) member!
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BEHIND THE CURTAIN
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APARTMENT ATTRACTION
Do you know the story behind the Ward’s powerhouse performing arts venue, the Broadway Theatre Center?
20 WINTER MUSTS 24 HOAN SWEET HOAN 34 HIDDEN GEMS Your Winter in the Ward Bucket List.
Apartment dwellers appreciate the amenities, flexibility and a no-strings-attached approach to downtown living.
A literal beacon of light in Milwaukee, Light the Hoan is taking a on a new challenge: Lighting the east side of the iconic bridge.
Neighborhood insider’s pick their favorite neighborhood hangs.
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Scan to plan your visit to the Ward this holiday season! Or visit historicthirdward.org Or visit historicthirdward.org to the Ward this holiday season! Scan to plan your visit
SLEIGH THE HOLIDAYS! Friday, Dec. 1 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. Catalano Square Broadway and Menomonee
Kick off your holiday season with a cup of cheer at Milwaukee’s favorite old-fashioned holiday event, Christmas in the Ward! Bring the family to this holiday tree lighting event featuring visits with Santa, live reindeer, fireworks, food trucks, hot cocoa, s’mores roasting, festive musical performances and more winter fun for all ages. keymilwaukee.com
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CHRISTMAS IN THE WARD. PHOTO BY ERIC HALVERSON
UPCOMING EVENTS FALL/WINTER 2023 CHRISTMAS IN THE WARD FRIDAY, DEC. 1 | 5:30-8:30 PM 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! Bring your family and experience an old-fashioned tree lighting ceremony in Catalano Square. 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. Highlights include: • A stunning fireworks display over the Milwaukee river • Visiting with Santa at Jolly’s House and meeting his reindeer in the Reindeer District • A “merry and bright” old-fashioned tree lighting ceremony in Catalano Square • Snacking on Christmas cookies, with sales benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities • Enjoying live music on Broadway and in Catalano Square Fill your cup with holiday cheer: We’re serving up cocoa cocktails, mulled wine, tasty s’mores, kettle corn and so much more. And we’ve got food trucks, too! Admission is free to this family friendly event. historicthirdward.org
MILWAUKEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL NOV. 16-JAN. 1 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 TORY FOLLIARD GALLERY HOLIDAY SHOW NOV. 16-DEC. 3 Tory Folliard Gallery’s Holiday Show is a special exhibition highlighting some of the gallery’s bestknown and emerging artists at prices that make exceptional and memorable gifts. toryfolliard.com CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET NOV. 16-JAN. 1 The Milwaukee Public Market will host a variety of holiday-themed events throughout the season, including holiday-themed cooking, baking and hot cocoa classes; celebrity bell ringing on Dec. 6; and Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 9. Visit the website to see all the events and details. milwaukeepublicmarket.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS | FALL/WINTER 2023 THE HOLIDAYS ARE HOPPIN’ AT THE JOURNEYMAN HOTEL NOV. 22-JAN. 1 | 5:30-8:30 PM Kicking off with Friendsgiving Night Out on Nov. 22 – drink specials in The Outsider for you and your pals — and a Thanksgiving Feast Buffet at Tre Rivali on Thanksgiving Day, the hotel will also welcome back the seasonal bears to the rooftop on Dec. 1 as The Outsider transitions into a cozy fireside destination. Plus, don’t miss the hotel’s tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 10, featuring live music in the lobby and fireside drink specials at The Outsider. A Christmas Day buffet at Tre Rivali, New Year’s Eve party (with a DJ, open bar, buffet, photo booth and fortune teller), and New Year’s Day brunch top off the holiday season in style. journeymanhotel.com EXPLORIUM BREWPUB MCS BLACK FRIDAY RELEASE NOV. 24-26 Join Explorium all Thanksgiving weekend for its annual Black Friday Milwaukee County Stout release, featuring live music, local artwork, holiday gift deals, food discounts and free brewery tours. Visit the website for all Explorium’s holiday events, including an Ugly Sweater Party on Dec. 10! exploriumbrew.com/ exploriumholiday
MILWAUKEE PETS ALIVE CRAFTY CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER NOV. 25 A unique craft and gift sale raising much-needed funds for Milwaukee Pets Alive. Held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MARN ART + CULTURE HUB, 100 percent of the sales benefit the special needs and care of rescued animals. marnarts.org/events/crafty-christmasfundraiser MIAD HOLIDAY SALE NOV. 30-DEC. 2 A holiday tradition held every year during the first weekend of December, the MIAD Holiday Sale is your opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art and design works created by MIAD students and alumni at affordable prices. Meet the emerging and established artists and designers who are behind the amazing creations. Gifts range from sculptures, paintings and photographs to jewelry, stickers, greeting cards and more. Free admission, except on Preview Night (Nov. 30, 6-9 p.m.; $10 admission). miad.edu/holidaysale
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY NOV. 25
Kick off your pledge to #ShopSmall all season long on Small Business Saturday. Several businesses in the Historic Third Ward are offering special deals to shop local and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Visit historicthirdward.org and click on “Annual Events” to see a full list of participating businesses — then get ready to show your MKE love and #ShopSmall! historicthirdward.org
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HIS TORIC T HIRDWARD.OR G
MIAD HOLIDAY SALE
SHOP THE WARD DEC. 2-22
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 everyday Dec. 2-22. historicthirdward.org
HOVER CRAFT DEC. 3 A holiday season favorite, shop the creations of more than 120 local artists, crafters, makers, designers and creatives at The Pritzlaff from noon to 6 p.m. Hover Craft is produced to support established and emerging artists, crafters, designers, and makers by providing an impermanent brick-and-mortar space to showcase the talent and creativity that exists within our own communities. $5 general admission; $15 Super Green Commemorative Shopping Bag. hovercraftmke.com
THE STAGE IS SET!
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE STARLING DEC. 3 Feast on all your breakfast faves and delightful locally sourced holiday donuts with the jolly old elf himself, Santa! $30 for adults; $15 for kids under 12; under 3 dine for free. Two seating times at 9-10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. thestarlingmke.com
GALLERY NIGHT MKE: PHOTO BY ARTDOSE MAGAZINE
GALLERY NIGHT MKE JAN. 19-20
Gallery Night MKE unites downtown Milwaukee through art. Experience the city’s vast creative culture while you discover local galleries, art, and artists. This free, two-day art event offers you the opportunity to buy original art, dine in outstanding restaurants, and shop in unique boutiques. Download the app for the most interactive experience. gallerynightmke.com
Experience world-class theatrical performances right here in the Historic Third Ward. Skylight Music Theatre and Milwaukee Chamber Theater are bringing all the emotions to the stages of the Broadway Theatre Center this season, and Next Act Theatre and Renaissance Theaterworks are creating top-notch theater just over the river at 255 S. Water St. All four theaters are also members of the Milwaukee Theater District — a collective of theaters and organizations designed to empower and unite Milwaukee’s already impactful live entertainment scene. Here’s a look at what’s hitting the stage this fall and winter:
SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE
MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATER
SCHOOL OF ROCK NOV. 17-DEC. 30
LIBERACE! NOV. 17-DEC. 10
XANADU JAN. 26-FEB. 11, 2024
A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN JAN. 19-FEB. 4, 2024
SPRING AWAKENING MARCH 1-17
nextact.org
skylightmusictheatre.org
RENAISSANCE THEATERWORKS
milwaukeechambertheatre.org
NEXT ACT THEATRE
r-t-w.com
THE MOUSETRAP NOV. 22-DEC. 17
THE WOLVES JAN. 21-FEB. 11
SCARECROW FEB. 21-MARCH 17
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QUICK BITES THE LATEST NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS OF NOTE By Molly Snyder of OnMilwaukee.com and Jordan Dechambre
NEW & NOTEWORTHY The Ward’s got a whole new look — at least its website, that is! Designed by the neighborhood’s own Branigan, the new historicthirdward.org gives guests and residents alike an enhanced online experience through an interactive map, themed itineraries, neighborhood news, business spotlights and more. A special feature? Third Ward Lore, a page dedicated to telling the stories of the neighborhood’s dynamic history, is a must for history buffs. Plus, you can read THREE and The Guide, learn more about the Historic Third Ward Association and even become a member. Check out all the enhanced features and stunning design at historicthirdward.org.
GRACE COFFEE CO. PHOTO BY ERIC HALVERSON
NOW OPEN TerraSol Dispensary (240 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 101) provides a “quality approach to cannabis” according to co-owner Mike Stickler. The shop sells CBD-and-THC-based products including edibles, oils, flower (buds), vapes, beverages, pet products and merchandise. Many are locally sourced and used for pain relief, anxiety suppression, relaxation and recreation. Cannabis education and exploration are top priority at TerraSol, so employees spend as much time as needed to find the right natural product for each customer. At the newly opened Grace Coffee Co. (102 N. Water St.), the owners and staff pride themselves on providing excellent customer service, crafting high-quality espresso drinks and utilizing fresh ingredients for its made-to-order dishes. Grace roasts all its coffee at its facility in Middleton, Wis., and its food offerings range from hot breakfast fare, açaí bowls, avocado toast and baked-fresh-daily pastries to sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls.
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Attention fashionistas: The District Row is adding even more style savvy to the Ward. The upscale boutique, which opened this month, features women’s clothing and accessories, as well as gifts. Complete with personal styling services, The District Row offers private parties, “give back” initiatives and a men’s lounge with TVs and plush seating. Visit 10 a.m.-6 p.m. TuesdaySaturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
SEASONAL DELIGHTS ’Tis the season to pop in to a holiday pop-up for the jolliest drinks, eats, events and decor. Santa Camp returns to Camp Bar (525 E. Menomonee St.) with festive cocktails, all-ages Christmasthemed soirees and enough lights to illuminate a bevy of Hoan Bridges. Plus, The Starling (102 N. Water St.) transforms into Cheer Garden on Sunday, Dec. 3, with a memory-making Breakfast with Santa featuring an array of eats, hot cocoa bar, and photos with the jovial, white-bearded guy. Finally, gather a group or grab a date to indulge in the luxurious Winter Experience Globes atop Café Benelux (346 N. Broadway) and discover what it’s like to eat, drink and be merry inside a warm and cozy snow globe.
for the craft and their customers. Says the team, “We’re not here to define or change your style. Just enhance it.” Also in 2023, Lela Boutique (312 N. Broadway) proverbially lit 20 candles on their company cake. Started in 2003 by current owner Carrie Arrouet, Lela has dressed thousands of customers in flattering fashions based on personalities. Casual-cool wardrobe essentials? Absolutely. Sequins for days? No problemo. Killer consignment options? Yep. Lela provides a warm and comforting environment for all — and at myriad price points to boot.
LELA BOUTIQUE
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
CAFÉ BENELUX WINTER EXPERIENCE GLOBES
CELEBRATING A MILESTONE Groom For Men (330 E. St. Paul Ave.) celebrated 25 years in 2023 of providing professional, inspired salon services to bankers, punk rockers, programmers — and just about every guy in between. Their secret to success? Constant training for stylists, honesty and a true passion 16
Kids can learn about nature through art right in the heart of the Third Ward, thanks to The Born Learning Trail in Gas Light Park (Erie and Jefferson streets). The work-in-progress features three vibrant trail path murals created by Milwaukee artist Greg Wudcheck and his 14-year-old son, Jack. Through colorful imagery, youngins will glean lots of cool info — like where swordfish, tortoise and polar bears live (thanks to the “Explore the World” mural), the migration route of Monarch butterflies from Milwaukee to Mexico and soon, a whimsical 6-foot squid from the Ark Survival video game. “The park is the perfect place for children living in and visiting an urban setting to learn about nature,” says Wudcheck.
Plus, don’t miss Rusty the Mastodon, a massive sculpture that was commissioned by developer Kendall Breunig. Get a great view of the Pritzlaff Building-adjacent sculpture — weighing in at more than 22,000 pounds — while enjoying a burger and a brew at Explorium Brewpub.
BORN LEARNING TRAIL The Historic Third Ward welcomed two new outdoor public exhibits through Sculpture Milwaukee, now in its lucky seventh year. “Actual Fractals, Act 1” features the multi-medium work of two renowned artists that will remain on display through October 2024. All the artists in this citywide exhibit experienced the world very differently throughout their lives but through their art came to the same conclusion: Empathy is everything. You can view “Octetra (five–element pyramid)” by Isamu Noguchi on Broadway between St. Paul Avenue and Chicago Street, and “Untitled” by Pao Houa Her on the Riverwalk behind MIAD.
“OCTETRA (FIVE–ELEMENT PYRAMID)” BY ISAMU NOGUCHI
The development of 333 Water (333 N. Water St.) is flowing smoothly and on schedule to have its first units available for rent in May 2024, with pre-leasing beginning in January 2024. Designed by SCB, a Chicago-based architecture, interior design and planning film, the building will feature upscale fixtures, more than 19,000 square feet of first-class amenities and unobstructed views of the Milwaukee River, Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline. But the mission of the project goes beyond the bricks and mortar. “Residents will become part of the fabric of the overall community, promoting the vibrancy of the neighborhood by contributing regularly to local businesses and enhancing the overall live-work-play nature of the district,” says Rikki Minor, Associate at Hines, 333 Water’s development firm.
333 WATER | PHOTO BY ERIC HALVERSON
THE SCENE There’s always something happening in the Historic Third Ward. The best way to stay in the know? Become a Historic Third Ward Association (HTWA) member! From exclusive member perks to members-only events and key communication that keeps you up to date on new business openings, neighborhood news and so much more, membership for residents and businesses is your inside access. Scan the QR code or visit htwa.wildapricot.org/join-us to enjoy the benefits of membership today!
1. Hundreds of downtown workers visited Catalano Square for the World’s Largest Coffee Break, a Downtown Employee Appreciation Week event in August. Six local coffee shops served up caffeinated treats to the crowd, while HTWA board members handed out doughnuts to hungry guests. MCTS was even on hand to show off the new CONNECT1 electric bus. 2. Gather, the neighborhood’s long-table dinner event, featured a six-course meal prepared by local chefs from Dandan, Onesto, Tre Rivali, Saffron, Bavette and Café Benelux, along with wine pairings from 2A Wine Merchants. The sold-out event also treated guests to a pre-dinner pop-up bar from The Edison and live music, all steps from the Riverwalk. 3. Catalano Square played host to the HTWA Member Appreciation BBQ in August, featuring mouth-watering barbecue fare provided by Smoke Shack, Pat’s Rib Place and Tre Rivali. Live music from local musician Alex Wilson set the scene for the hundreds of guests, who also enjoyed beverages from the Third Ward Beer Garden. 4. HTWA members gathered at MARN Art + Culture Hub in October to discuss safety with Milwaukee Police Department officers, and neighborhood news and events with HTWA staff during a Resident Affinity Meeting. 5. Pier Garden at The Starling provided a stunning
indoor-outdoor scene for the Summer 2023 THREE Issue Release Party in July. More than 50 guests enjoyed drink specials and breath-taking views of the Milwaukee River while checking out the new issue.
6. HTWA members dedicated their time as volunteers, serving up beer, wine and seltzer to thousands of guests during the Third Ward Art Festival on Labor Day weekend. Pictured (left to right): Christine Peters, Kelly Tunder, Christine Cwikla, Laura Montgomery, Ron Accuardi and Karen Greening.
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LAKESHORE STATE PARK
WINTER MUSTS YOUR WINTER IN THE WARD BUCKET LIST By Kristine Hansen
Don’t be fooled by icicles hanging from the rooftops and snowflakes tumbling from the sky: Winter’s a great time to explore the Third Ward. From cooking classes to a Zen yoga session or afternoon crawl through breweries and art galleries, this is the time of year to dig into relaxation and creativity — without leaving the neighborhood.
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01 02 FLEX YOUR CREATIVE MUSCLES
LOSE YOURSELF IN THE MUSIC
Broadway Paper’s greeting cards blend trends with humor; but instead of selecting from the racks, why not make your own using their paper stock?
Miss the Riverwalk Commons Concert Series? Frequent performer Evan Christian hosts jazz, Latin and open-mic nights (by him and other musicians) at the new location of his lounge, Gibraltar.
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GO FOR THE WIN Prep for spring’s reopening of golf courses using two golf simulators at District Fore — followed by the hotspot’s mouth-watering pizza and a beer — all under one roof.
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CHANNEL YOUR INNER GORDON RAMSEY Binging Food Network shows doesn’t make dinner. Instead, visit the Milwaukee Public Market for classes on crafting hot cocoa bombs, Korean dumplings and more.
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SAY CHEERS IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS After cocktails in the new Aurora Borealisthemed greenhouse at Tied House, cozy up in a heated dome on Café Benelux’s rooftop to sip a new arrival: The Cider Farm’s Imperial Cider from Mineral Point, Wis.
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DISCOVER A NEW WINE AT A TASTING EVENT Take your palate on a trip at 2A Wine Merchants during its Holiday Bubbles Extravaganza on Dec. 6) or visit one of Thief Wine’s tasting events throughout the season.
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VALENTINE COFFEE CO.
GET A NEW KICK WITH YOUR COFFEE Spiked coffee adds warmth to a cold body. Try Valentine Coffee Co.’s Irish Coffee or Café Benelux’s The Neapolitan (with Eagle Park Brewing Company’s strawberry cheesecake rum).
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SPEND A DAY IN THE MARSHALL BUILDING If not Gallery Night (Jan. 19-20), take an afternoon to gallery hop — you’ll see artists deep in their process.
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DISCOVER THE WORLD OF NATURAL HEMP PRODUCTS Cure winter doldrums with a literal buzz from TerraSol Dispensary’s gummies and tinctures that fold in hemp grown in Wisconsin and Colorado.
THIEF WINE 21
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INDULGE YOUR PET AT SALTY PAWS Your dog or cat is also getting stir crazy. Drop into Salty Paws for pet-friendly ice cream in fun flavors like Frenchie Kiss and Maple Bacon.
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SWEAT OFF THE HOLIDAY CALORIES Step — or should we say, fly — into a Flying Squirrel Pilates, where new members can enjoy three mat classes for $20. Or, focus on sciencebased functional movement training at Prana Performance Training.
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DINE AT THE CHEF’S COUNTER AT TRE RIVALI At this intimate, six-seat experience held the first Thursday of the month, executive chef Brian Cripps chats you up while serving eight courses, paired with wine or a cocktail.
SALTY PAWS
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CREATE YOUR OWN LOCAL BREW CRAWL Develop a DIY tour of breweries’ taprooms: Wizard Works Brewing (beer names riff on magic), The Copper Turtle Brewery & Taverne (3rd Ward Pale Ale is a neighborhood favorite) and The Explorium Brewpub (serving gluten-removed beers and more).
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LOOSEN THOSE KNOTS Rejuvenate yourself with a pumpkin spice brûlée foot treatment at Blue Water Wellness or a guided stretch session at StretchMKE. The new Kühl It facial at Neroli or hot-stone massage at SOL Therapeutics are also top choices.
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TRE RIVALI
LACE UP YOUR WINTER BOOTS FROM SHOO AND TAKE A WINTER HIKE Three sources of water carve out nature — the 22acre Lakeshore State Park along Lake Michigan or the Riverwalk’s perch beside the Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers.
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DISCOVER A NEW FAVORITE SHOW Pull yourself away from Netflix for an ode to Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly’s film “Xandu” (Jan. 26-Feb. 11) at Skylight Music Theatre or Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s nod to former local Liberace in his namesake show (through Dec. 10).
HOAN SWEET HOAN A LITERAL BEACON OF LIGHT IN MILWAUKEE, LIGHT THE HOAN IS TAKING A ON A NEW CHALLENGE: LIGHTING THE EAST SIDE OF THE ICONIC BRIDGE. By Laurie Arendt Photography courtesy of Light the Hoan
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Though the nearly 2-mile-long Daniel Hoan bridge has made an indelible mark on the Milwaukee skyline for 50 years, a televised basketball game marked the turning point in elevating this landmark’s profile in the city. “Michael Holstad and Ian Abston were watching a televised basketball game. When they went to the B-roll shot of the city of Milwaukee, it was … well, dark,” says Light the Hoan Executive Director Erika Smith. “That was really where the idea came from.” Holstad and Abston, now coERIKA SMITH founders and Light the Hoan board members, went on to lead a two-year, $3.5 million public crowdsourcing campaign to do just that. More than 1,800 light nodes were installed on the west side of the bridge, and the proverbial switch was the night of Oct. 20, 2020. Since then, the Daniel W. Hoan Memorial Bridge — named after the longtime Milwaukee mayor who served the city for 24 years — has added its illuminated colors to the Milwaukee skyline.
Every evening, the lights turn on 30 minutes before sunset with periodically scheduled light shows that create awareness for community causes, nonprofits, events and collaborative efforts.
“IT’S AN INITIATIVE THAT’S SO VISIBLE AND SO PROMINENT IN THE MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY — IT DOESN’T MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN MILWAUKEE,” SAYS SMITH. “EVERYONE SHARES IN THE EXPERIENCE.” Light the Hoan has also leveraged its technology to engage in community outreach. “We partner with SHARP Literacy for our Code the Hoan program, and we host an annual intern challenge where teams of interns from Milwaukee-area businesses compete for the best light show,” says Smith. The organization’s latest efforts are focused on continuing fundraising efforts to light the east side of the Hoan (facing the lake) with 2,500 more computer-controlled lights and providing reserve maintenance funds for the next decade. This second-phase initiative kicked off with this summer’s Hoanchella, an immersive fresh coast experience that combined a light show, music and fireworks.
“In addition to being seen from the lake, there are actually multiple areas where the east side of the bridge is visible — Veterans Park, South Shore Park — and it spans right over the American Family Amphitheater,” says Smith. “We have the technology where we could sync the lights to whatever artist is playing on stage.” She adds that the second phase was always part of the initial plan. Organizers are hopeful the remaining funds can be raised in time to fully illuminate the bridge in time for the Republican National Convention in July 2024. “This is such a high-profile event with a lot of media coverage. We know the amazing publicity it will bring to the city and put Milwaukee on the map,” says Smith. One of the best ways to support the final fundraising push is through the purchase of a bulb dedication. Five different support levels are available, and each includes the ability to dedicate the bulb to the honoree of your choice. Light the Hoan is a 501(c)3 organization, making donations tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information, log onto lightthehoan.com or scan the QR code.
historicthirdward.org
THE
BEHIND CURTAIN
By Bobby Tanzilo of OnMilwaukee.com Photography by Eric Halverson
THE BROADWAY THEATRE CENTER TURNED 30 IN 2023. DO YOU KNOW THE STORY BEHIND THE WARD’S POWERHOUSE PERFORMING ARTS VENUE?
NOW AND THEN: (L) THE BUILDING CIRCA 1973, IMAGE COURTESY OF WISCONSIN LBGTQ HISTORY PROJECT COLLECTION; (R) TODAY’S BROADWAY THEATRE CENTER.
Who would have guessed the transformation of an old warehouse into a stunning opera house would be as successful as it was, well, unlikely? But 30 years ago, that’s exactly what happened at the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. Along with an addition that houses the beautiful Cabot Theatre, the Broadway Theatre Center occupies a 1907 warehouse designed by architect Carl Ringer for grocery wholesaler O.R. Pieper and Company. Today, it is home to the Skylight Music Theatre and Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. “For us, the Broadway Theatre Center is past, present and future. History, identity and community. In a word: Home,” says Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Artistic Director Brent Hazleton. The building had a long history before it got a new life. And the transition was not easy.
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THE CABOT THEATRE AT BROADWAY THEATRE CENTER.
The German-born Oscar R. Pieper opened his first grocery store on Juneau Avenue in 1885. Later he traded retail for wholesale and became a major player in tea, coffee and spices before expanding into other product lines. Within about a decade, Piper had become the second-largest wholesale grocer in town. In 1907, Pieper’s new four-story warehouse went up in the Third Ward. Later, after he brought his sons into the business, Pieper added two more stories. Although Pieper passed away in 1929, his business continued for decades. Then, in 1954, the warehouse was sold to Hack’s Furniture for storage. In 1973, Chuck Cicirello rented the ground floor and opened The Factory — a gay nightclub that has become legendary, according to the LGBT History Project. “The Factory was perfectly positioned to be a smash hit when the age of disco came,” noted the Project. “It opened with 2,400-square-feet of public space, and about doubled over time.” After a few name changes, the bar closed in 1982 and Hack’s put the building up for sale. Four years later, Milwaukee’s upstart theater company,
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Theatre X, launched efforts to acquire the building and convert it into the Contemporary Arts Center. But that effort was fraught with roadblocks. Then, in 1991, Skylight Opera Theatre (as it was then known) arrived on the scene and acquired the building and a vacant lot to the south. The building was renovated and the Cabot Theatre was built on the vacant lot. Though it’s not large, the Cabot Theatre is extremely impressive with its vertical orientation ensuring great views and a design that offers top-notch acoustics. The baroque space was reportedly based on a venue that namesake Colin Cabot – a Skylight executive and volunteer – saw in Rochefort-sur-Mer, France. Today, the Broadway Theatre Center features two theaters (the Cabot and black box space, the Studio Theatre), a bar and salon, offices, rehearsal spaces and even an under-stage shrine containing the ashes of Skylight founder Clair Richardson. It’s been a key player in the local arts scene, hosting plays, operas, concerts, weddings and other events in the heart of the Ward.
“We like to say Skylight is ‘Milwaukee’s Home for Music Theater’ because of the vibe that you get when you walk into the Cabot Theatre and experience a show there,” says Skylight Music Theatre Executive Director Susan Varela.
“THIS BEAUTIFUL, UNEXPECTED SPACE EVOKES ENCHANTMENT WHEN DISCOVERED BY OUR AUDIENCE. WE ARE EVEN OFFERING WARM, FRESH-BAKED COOKIES AT INTERMISSION THIS SEASON. IT IS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE AND ONE THAT WE ARE THRILLED TO CALL HOME.” Recently — along with its across-the-river neighbors, Next Act Theatre and Renaissance Theaterworks — the complex became the newest member of VISIT Milwaukee’s Milwaukee Theater District. The District encompasses more than a dozen venues that have helped the city become a national leader in arts performances.
“Broadway Theatre Center is an important part of our live entertainment scene, which generates $400 million in economic impact for our community,” says VISIT Milwaukee’s Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Claire Koenig. According to the tourism bureau, the district’s more than 15,000 theater seats make Milwaukee No. 1 in the United States in theater seats per capita.
“THE ADDED AMPLIFICATION (PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT) HELPS US ALL TO CELEBRATE THE COLLECTIVE POWER AND REMARKABLE BREADTH OF MILWAUKEE’S PERFORMING ARTS COMMUNITY EVEN MORE WIDELY,” SAYS HAZLETON. But it’s more than quantity that distinguishes the district, it’s also quality — as evidenced by the current seasons at Skylight Music Theatre and Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. “We opened with a classic with a Skylight twist (‘Candide’),” says Varela about the new Skylight season, “then have a great family piece filled with humor and joy for the holiday season with ‘School of Rock.’” The lineup also includes “Spring Awakening,” and a Midwest premiere written by music-theater royalty, Tim Rice (“From Here to Eternity”). But, there’s one about which Varela is especially enthused. “In the middle of all that, we have the delightful rollerskating fantasy ‘Xanadu,’ with all the hit music from the film by ELO, it is a personal favorite of mine.” Meanwhile, the Chamber Theatre’s season includes a new production of “Liberace!,” featuring Milwaukee’s own Brett Ryback; a world premiere of “Anarchists,” by Martín Zimmerman, which explores events around the 1917 bomb explosion in the Oneida Street police station; and two classics, Eugene O’Neill’s “A Moon for the Misbegotten” and Katori Hall’s “The Mountaintop.” “(It’s) a showcase of local stories, the excellence of our local artists and a lineup that continues the pursuit of creating a company that reflects its community at every level,” Hazelton says.
SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE OPENED ITS 20232024 SEASON IN OCTOBER WITH “CANDIDE.”
Much like the Broadway Theatre Center itself, “The season has a story for everyone.”
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KYLE AND JAMIE TAMBOLI RELAX WITH THEIR DOGS, KONA AND LEILA, IN THEIR JEFFERSON BLOCK APARTMENT.
APARTMENT ATTRACTION SO MANY PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING APARTMENT LIVING IN THE WARD THAT OCCUPANCY RATES ARE PUSHING NEAR CAPACITY. WHAT MAKES IT SO ATTRACTIVE? AMENITIES, FLEXIBILITY AND A NO-STRINGS-ATTACHED APPROACH TO DOWNTOWN LIVING. By Nan Bialek Photography by Eric Halverson
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It’s not just a prime city location close to the lake. The Historic Third Ward is a neighborhood with a pulse. That’s why apartment living here offers a unique urban lifestyle, whether you’re a high-energy professional working downtown, a newlywed, or an empty nester who loves the bustle of shops, galleries and cafes that are just steps away. Walkability is one of the key factors that attracts apartment-hunters to the Ward, says Annie Stoll, director of leasing and marketing at Joseph
Property Development. They are also looking for newer construction, higher-end appliances, in-unit washers and dryers — and this is most often a must — on-site heated indoor parking.
“THEY WANT AN APARTMENT LIFESTYLE BUT WANT IT TO FEEL LIKE A HOME,” SHE SAYS. Jamie Tamboli, owner of The Barre Code, has been living in Third Ward apartments since 2017. She and her husband moved here when they were still in college, so an apartment, as opposed to a condo, was an obvious choice. They started out in Jackson Square and now live in Jefferson Block. Their current apartment features two floors. The two-bedroom, two-bath layout is impressive, but Tamboli says the upstairs loft was the clincher. It’s the perfect space for their treadmill and exercise bike.
The community room, fitness center and shared outdoor space are all amenities that she appreciates. “And being pet friendly was important,” she notes. Not only is her building welcoming to dogs — so is the neighborhood. Tunder likes to take her pup to Riley’s Social House and Salty Paws. A Third Ward dog park, located under I-794 on the west side of the Milwaukee River, is expected to open next year. Like most local apartment dwellers, Tunder likes to explore the unique shops, bars and restaurants in the area. Gallery Nights and the Third Ward Art Festival are exciting events, and Tunder says she also likes “the ability to get on the Riverwalk to the lake.”
The apartment, she notes, “has got a very condo vibe.” The location of the building is close to everything but also offers a good amount of parking for guests. And, bonus, the maintenance team knows the couple by name. Tamboli enjoys the spirit of community in the Ward and says both she and her husband love the convenience of being able to walk or bike to work. It’s just a 10-minute walk for him and a 7-minute stroll for her. With all that going for them, they are likely to enjoy living in their apartment community for some time to come. “I think the housing market has not been great and we like where we are,” Tamboli says.
“WE’RE YOUNG, AND WE JUST PREFER AN APARTMENT FOR RIGHT NOW UNTIL WE CAN FIND A CONDO THAT’S RIGHT FOR US.” Kelly Tunder is a newcomer to the Third Ward, moving here from Colorado about three months ago. She first rented a studio apartment but soon moved into a two-bedroom unit with a den and balcony at DOMUS.
CHICAGO STREET LOFTS
She is impressed with services in the neighborhood, noting that accessibility to doctors and other professionals is one of the advantages to living in the Ward. The friendliness she found here is another reason Tunder is convinced she made the right choice when she moved to her Third Ward haven. “I immediately met people in my neighborhood and was able to start building new relationships,” she says. Stoll has noticed the Third Ward seems to be the first choice of locations for apartment-seekers who are new to Milwaukee.
If you are looking for a Third Ward apartment, keep in mind that occupancy rates tend to push 98 to 99 percent, with openings usually increasing just a bit in fall and winter months. They are snapped up quickly, though. And that’s no wonder, says Stoll: “I think the Third Ward is a very homey, welcoming and vibrant place. There’s just so much to do and see, and then you come back to the calm of your own apartment. To have all of that outside your door, you just can’t find that anywhere else in the Milwaukee area.”
“When relocating to Milwaukee, they only want the Third Ward,” she says. “It seems to be such a popular hot spot.”
SPACES TO DWELL
LOOKING FOR YOUR DREAM RENTAL IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD? HERE ARE A FEW GOOD OPTIONS IN THE WARD:
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321 JEFFERSON 321 N. Jefferson St ATELIER THIRD WARD 336 N. Milwaukee St. CATALANO LOFTS 143 N. Broadway CHICAGO STREET LOFTS 222 E. Chicago St. DOMUS 441 E. Erie St. GASLIGHT & CORCORAN LOFTS 425 E. Menomonee St. INTERLACE 254 E. Chicago St. JACKSON SQUARE APARTMENTS 159 N. Jackson St.
JEFFERSON BLOCK APARTMENTS 144 N. Jefferson St. MITCHELL ON WATER APARTMENTS 226 N. Water St. PRITZLAFF LOFTS 313 N. Plankinton Ave. RIVERVIEW LOFTS 249 N. Water St. THE MAYER APARTMENTS 342 N. Water St.
COMING SOON: 333 WATER 333 N. Water St. EVONI APARTMENTS 615 E. Corcoran Ave.
MIAD Holiday Sale Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 miad.edu/holidaysale
HIDDEN GEMS
Neighborhood insider’s pick their favorite local hangs.
“My favorite gem is Valentine Coffee Roasters! I am always greeted with a smile and the service is outstanding. But that’s not all. They happen to have an exquisite bagel. The Bagel and Lox has me firmly in its clutches. I went there searching for matcha and I found gold.”
EVAN CHRISTIAN, GIBRALTAR
“My favorite hidden gem is not all that hidden! I love walking my dog on Broadway in the morning before sunrise. It’s a great time to window shop with all the stores lit up, yet very peaceful while the city is still asleep. We then loop around and head towards the Hoan Bridge and see the sunrise by the lighthouse and Lakeshore State Park. It’s a perfect way to start the day!”
CAROL GRGIC, ELITE BODYWORKS “We love the hospitality industry and often joke that, ‘we work in it, so we can enjoy it.’ My go-to meal is the fish dinner at St. Paul Fish Company. Get the Blackened Grouper with Beurre Blanc. And with so many places to grab a drink, it’s the hospitality that makes all the difference to us. 2A Wine Merchants and The Copper Turtle Brewery & Taverne are both go-to’s for us. They deliver on service and their ambiance cannot be beat.”
JOHN LUDWIG, RILEY’S SOCIAL HOUSE “My favorite outing is a stroll down the Riverwalk to the new BizStarts Community Market, just over the river on 1st St. at Pittsburgh Avenue. This marketplace sells products from entrepreneurs who come from disadvantaged circumstances. It is a great place to get beautiful, unique items and sip imported Puerto Rican coffee while investing in our community. It’s a win-win-win!”
ANN HANNA, TAUREAU GROUP “My favorite walk is — and ends at — a hidden gem! I walk Erie Street to the lighthouse, around Lakeshore State Park, Discovery World and in front of the Milwaukee Art Museum, then take Wisconsin Avenue to the Riverwalk and the Riverwalk to the new Grace Coffee Company. I will definitely need to be taking longer walks if I keep eating these croissants! Grace is a vibrant, beautiful space — my favorite shade of green, replete with blooming flowers — equally matched by an energetic staff. Add the most delicious chocolate almond croissant and a latte, and Grace is perfectly positioned at the tail end of my favorite morning walk.”
TRACEY WADSWORTH, RESIDENT 34
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