By Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jan 25, 2008 at 11:18 AM

The Third Ward is one of Milwaukee's fasting evolving districts, so it's no surprise that we end up posting these updates on a fairly regular basis.

Last time we checked in, Jing's Chinese restaurant, 207 E. Buffalo St., had just opened as the first of its kind neighborhood. Now, the new year welcomes nightlife neighbor, Soho 7, at 231 E. Buffalo St.

But there's more. Margaret Martin, daughter of The Garden Room's Deborah Kern, is working on her own retail store called Hot Pop, 213 N. Broadway. Look for a feature on this new apparel, shoe and toy boutique (and art gallery) this coming Wednesday on OnMilwaukee.com

Also, from the people who brought you Fanatics Sports Central, 185 N. Jefferson St., comes a new drink sipping spot called Hi-Lo Martini Bar & Cocktail Lounge. It's slated to open at 411 E. Chicago St. this year.

In spring 2007 we told you about another martini lounge, Penthouse on Broadway, 184 N. Broadway, which opened last summer. The bar recently announced its plan to start Wii game nights. Game on.

In September 2007 we introduced Milwaukee Futon -- Yoga East at 316 N. Milwaukee St. Now, in addition to selling yoga supplies, owner David Pionke is offering a series of yoga and meditation classes. You can see the schedule here.

Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.

As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”