The Historic Third Ward is one of the oldest sections of Milwaukee, and at first glance, it looks as if it hasn't changed all that much since the turn of the century when it was rebuilt nearly from scratch after a devastating fire. Faded advertisements for tonics, shoe stores and other companies that went out of business decades ago still adorn the sides of many of these classic Milwaukee buildings.
After the 1892 blaze, the once-Irish neighborhood became home to the immigrants arriving from Porticello, Sicily, and other Italian towns and cities. When "urban renewal" came in the 1960s, the Third Ward was demolished, almost wholesale and became something of a dead zone.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places as having the largest collection of turn-of-the-century warehouses in the country, the Historic Third Ward is once again alive and kicking. Many of the warehouses have been converted to office space, condos, art galleries and restaurants and the Third Ward is now at its most vibrant (at least since the bustling Italian neighborhood vanished).
A walk around the neighborhood reveals a changing and evolving Third Ward. Over the last 10 years, the number of residents alone has grown from just 125 to well over 1,000. The new Milwaukee Public Market, the new anchor of the neighborhood, shines brightly, an expanded Riverwalk runs through it and with more than 90 merchants seated just three blocks south of downtown proper, the Third Ward is sitting pretty. Along with its great antique stores, the neighborhood is also home to cutting-edge and unique fashions, specialty retail and more. Make sure to plug that meter (but remember you don't have to on weekends), and off you go into our revised Third Ward guide:
Apparel & Accessories:
5 Hearts Boutique shopfivehearts.com
153 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 727-4622
Sisters and co-owners Kelly and Mary Jo Mansell believe that fashion is the key to a woman's confidence. Offering a selection of hip but elegant designers like 525 America, Urban Expression and Lucca Couture, there's something for everyone here.
Anthropologie anthropologie.com
301 N. Broadway, (414) 471-1105
Although a national franchise, each Anthropologie store feels like your local boutique - and the Third Ward location is no exception. Get your boho-chic fashion fix and shop for home accessories at the same time.
Boutique Larrieux boutiquelarrieux.com
315 N. Broadway, (414) 278-0000
Offering to-die-for fashions for women sizes 12-24, this luxury-apparel dealer maintains that high fashion can easily translate into plus sizes. Come in and browse - or make an appointment for a personal style assessment, private appointment, workshop, or shopping party.
East Town Women's Resale Shop easttownwomensresale.com
159 N. Broadway, 2nd Floor, (414) 273-1030
Unbelievably, this place has been a fashionable and classy consignment store since 1928. Specializing in designer and brand name fashions, furs, accessories, jewelry and gifts, this store is a blast from Milwaukee's past. Browse discounts on labels like Armani, Prada, Ralph Lauren and Burberry, just to name a few.
Flirt, LLC shopflirt.com
317 N. Broadway, (414) 220-9046
A fun, friendly boutique where the modern woman can find contemporary and moderately-priced fashions.
Lela lelaboutique.com
321 N. Broadway, (414) 727-4855
Opened in Oct. 2003 and sparking the fashion sensibilty of the Ward, Lela is a fashion-forward women's boutique featuring local designers and one-of-a-kind items from New York and Chicago. A blend of high-end consignment, gifts and a funky space on old Commission Row make it a unique stop. (Co-owner Stephanie Sherman is wife of OMC co-owner Jeff Sherman).
This jewelry store has been rated in the top 25 jewelry stores in America, showing more than 50 nationally known artists.
Metro Eye metroeye.biz
301 N. Water St., (414) 727-5888
You know the neighborhood's on the up when the eye doctor and her stylish frames move in. Offering both optometrists and optical stylists, Metro Eye meets your eyewear and eye care needs.
Moda3 moda3.com
320 E. Buffalo St., (414) 273-3333
An alternative to boutique shopping, Moda3 is the Third Ward's only skate shop with plenty of "streetwear" apparel and equipment for snowboarding and skateboarding. Great fashions for the non-boarder, too.
MODify modifytrendz.com
222 E. Erie St., (414) 271-6633
Featuring both new retail and resale styles, MODify seeks to stay on the edge of fashion for under $50. This is a can't-miss stop for the price-conscious Milwaukee fashionista. Have a same-season look that you don't love anymore? MODify will buy it for cash.
(shOO) shoostore.com
241 N. Broadway, 1st Floor, (414) 765-2355
In an attempt to create the kind of shoe-shopping experience that prompts the "I must have these!" response, Shoo owner Kate Blake carries brands that she describes as "almost like art." She decorates her shop with antiques, reused tables, and her own personal family heirlooms. The majority of her inventory is European, with hard-to-find labels out of Italy, France, Spain, Germany and London.
Stephanie Horne stephaniehorne.com
244 N. Broadway, (414_ 223-1695
Designer-brand shoes, accessories and handbags, featuring lines by Susana Monaco, Tracy Reese, and Diane VonFurstenburg.
Third Ward Jewelry 3rdwardjewelry.com
241 E. Buffalo St., (414) 289-0886
Handmade jewelry in various media by more than 75 American and European artists.
Too Much Metal Showroom toomuchmetal.com
207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 318, (414) 305-4992
The showroom of this cutting-edge, rock n' roll-style T-Shirt design company is open Wednesday through Saturday 12 non to 6 p.m. Can't make it then? They're open by appointment and also have a full-service website featuring all their styles. We love their Milrockee line featuring vintage renderings of Milwaukee sites and memorabilia.
Furniture, Home and Decor:
Allen Kitchen & Bath allenkitchenandbath.com
225 E. Erie St., (262) 395-7100
No matter what your personal taste or budget concerns, the expert designers at Allen can meet your kitchen and bathroom remodeling needs. They also focus on providing environmentally-conscious materials.
Cranston -- Accents for Life cranstonaccents.com
250 N. Water St., (414) 289-9880
Unique home decor and accents for everyday living, entertaining and special occasions. Bed, bath, lifestyles, dining, kitchen, seasonal and gifts in a cool space. They even do wedding registries.
Dinesen's Leather Only
231 E. Buffalo St., (414) 277-7747
The finest leather chairs, sofas and furniture around. New to the Ward, they also have an outlet location in East Town.
Embelezar Mitchell Leather Outlet mitchell-leather.com Rubin's rubinsfurniture.com Sachen Contemporary Imports, LLC sachenmke.com Urban Kitchenwares Art Galleries:
Art on Broadway The Eisner American Museum of Advertising and Design theeisner.com Elaine Erickson Gallery eericksongallery.com Gallery 218 gallery218.com
207 E. Buffalo St., (414) 643-1732 Katie Gingrass Gallery gingrassgallery.com Milwaukee Potters Guild SB Framing Gallery sbframinggallery.com Thomas Queoff Sculpture Studio queoffstudio.com Thunder Mountain Press thunderart.com Tory Folliard Gallery toryfolliard.com Utrecht Art Supplies utrechtart.com VP Gallery Vpphotogallery.com Gifts and more:
Artasia artasiagallery.com Broadway Paper broadwaypaper.com Metropawlis Pet Boutique & Bakery Spas, Salons and Health & Fitness:
Blush Beauty blushmilwaukee.com Core Concept coreconcepts-pilates.com Dash and Dazzle Tan Energy Fitness Studio energyfitness.net Fitness Together www.fitnesstogether.net Fred Astaire Dance Studios fredastairemilwaukee.com Groom groomformen.com MODA Salon, LLC www.moda-salon.com Neroli Salon & Spa nerolispa.com Paint Ball Dave's paintballdaves.com St. James Place-Ooh La La JamesKent.info Yama Yoga in the Ward yamayogastudio.com
241 N. Broadway, (414) 224-7644
If your home furnishing needs a dash of the exotic, look no further than Embelezar. Bringing the vibrant colors and patterns of international styles to Milwaukee, you can find just about any luxurious home embellishment in this shop.
226 N. Water St., (800) 583-0946
Since 1968, Jerry Mitchell has been making some of the finest leather bags, wallets, attaches and briefcases. The place to go in Milwaukee if you want to buy a classic leather briefcase, Mitchell is Milwaukee's leather expert.
224 E. Chicago St., (414) 278-8100
Contemporary and stylish, Rubin's is the place for Scandinavian-influenced designed sofas, chairs, living room, dining room, bedroom sets and accessories for every room in between.
320 E. Buffalo St., (414) 988-4227
Named after the German term for "things," this retailer brings you the most stylish imported home decor. Great place to find ingenious gifts or everyday functional items. Sachen specializes in brands that are not readily available at mass retailers.
151 N. Water St., (414) 319-1164
Everything you need to be a chef in your own home with contemporary products that blend design with function. Cooking classes offered, too.
203 N. Broadway, (414) 271-3004
A truly unique array of fine arts, crafts and art-to-wear by local artisians.
208 N. Water St., (414) 847-3290
Just because it's called a museum and not a gallery doesn't mean there isn't a fair share of beautiful and interesting art to look at. Placing an unique emphasis on the social, historical and aesthetic implications of advertising and design, the Museum honors innovative design of the past and present.
207 E. Buffalo St., (414) 221-0613
The gallery focuses on contemporary paintings, works on paper and sculpture. Both abstract and representational works are featured, as well as surrealism. African tribal art, both contemporary and antique, is also highlighted.
This 14-year-old gallery is operated by local artists and often hosts exhibits and performances.
241 N. Broadway, (414) 289-0855
Since 1980 this gallery has featured contemporary art and fine crafts as well as presented vibrant and unique exhibitions.
207 E. Buffalo St. 12B (414) 271-7687
Located in the historic Marshall Building, this cooperative of local area potters is open by appointment for classes ages 12 and up. Private and group sessions are offered. Also features a gallery presenting functional and decorative works as well as photography.
409 E. Buffalo St., (414) 431-5050
SB Framing Gallery offers framing and archival services for galleries and artists as well as being a vendor of fine artwork and artisan-crafted gifts.
231 E. Buffalo St., (414) 224-6086
Bet you didn't know that ice sculpting is an Olympic sport. The man who owns this gallery, Green Bay native Thomas Queoff, was part of the team that took a bronze medal at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. This sculpture studio specializes in bronze and crafts outdoor installations, architectural accessories and other works.
231 E. Buffalo St. 5th Fl. (414) 271-4910
These artists specialize in publishing limited-edition fine art prints, specifically wildlife and landscape tableaux. Also fulfilling your framing needs, Thunder Mountain sells gift cards, mugs, and other memorabilia featuring fine art prints.
233 N Milwaukee St., (414) 273-7311
This gallery is a showcase for nationally and internationally recognized painters and sculptors. It features still-life, abstract, landscape and figurative works of art in all media.
143 N. Broadway, (414) 847-3304
From art enthusiasts to architecture students to graphic designers, this is where Milwaukee gets its art supplies. You can find everything from paint to canvass to drafting tools here. There's also a location on North Farwell.
320 E. Buffalo St., (866) 498-9894
This gallery is devoted exclusively to the art of photography to individual and corporate enthusiasts. Collection includes Open, Limited and Master Editions. The gallery is Wisconsin's only Master Dealer of the LIFE Picture Collection featuring the classic photographs of the pages of LIFE Magazine.
181 N. Broadway, (414) 220-4292
Specializing in art, artifacts, jewelry, accents, furniture, antiques and architectural curios from China, Tibet, Nepal and Mongolia, Artasia sells only the unique and the unusual.
191 N. Broadway, (414) 277-7699
Tired of Hallmark for your gift giving needs? Yes, Broadway Paper has tons of creative packaging that will make your gift look fantastic at parties. They also offer workshops and bridal seminars.
317 N. Broadway, (414) 273-7387
Pet boutique and bakery, featuring specialty items for pets. Gift items, pet birthday parties, and an online boutique are just some of the features. Opening mid-January 2006.
249 N. Water St., (414) 272-1718
Voted "The Make-Up Artist to Book" by Martha Stewart Weddings and "Best Make-Up Artist" by the wedding planning website theknot.com. Owner Sarah Brucker describes her beauty boutique as a place where simplicity meets glamour and beauty, enabling you to learn about the products you are using and how to apply them. They also have a Mequon location.
241 N. Broadway #204, (414) 277-7712
Pilates, yoga, personal training, nutrition and fitness guidance from Andrea Dow and her staff. Both private lessons and group sessions are offered.
143 N. Jackson St., (414) 727-8458
Tan that body. It's just that simple. They offer a $4-Before-4:00 special Mondays through Fridays. Refer a friend and get a free tan!
207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 206 (414) 270-9770
This studio offers private and semi-private personal training paid by the session, with nothing to join. They are professionals who are focused on providing you with one-on-one attention, privacy and a comfortable atmosphere. They will assess your fitness level and tailor a workout to your needs.
411 E. Menomonee St., (414) 223-3482
One-on-one personal training with private training rooms, state-of-the-art equipment and personal attention. Get buff or lose those extra pounds.
323 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 291-9999
Take a break from shopping and learn to dance. Ballroom and Latin Dance instruction. Private, group and practice party sessions for singles and couples. They also offer private instruction for engaged couples preparing for their wedding and will choreograph a personalized dance for you.
330 E. St. Paul St., (414) 298-2076
Old school barbershop groove with a new-school salon vibe. Lawyers, doctors, media, athletes -- this is where Milwaukee's finest get their hair cut. Products, waxing and other services too.
151 N. Water St., (414) 291-3900
This full-service salon also includes the Wellsping Therapy, which offers ayurvedic and essential oil massages by Sarah Link, LMT.
325 E. Chicago St., (414) 227-2888
Welcome to the cushy world of replenishing. This full-service Aveda salon and spa will nurture pamper, and renew your spirits and create a totally personal experience through hair and nail design, body treatments, massage and skin care services. Alternate locations on the East Side, at Bayshore Towne Center and in Brookfield.
203 N. Broadway, (414) 271-3004
Duck, shot, win! Specializing in private parties from 8 to 100 and game supplies, Paint Ball Dave's is a Third Ward tradition. Get a group together and get out your angers!
316 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 101, (414) 271-3134
Inside you will not only find salon, spa and image consultant services, but also a cute shop called Ooh La La, which specializes in fine custom jewelry and unique accessories.
231 E. Buffalo St., 2nd Floor, (414) 224-1519
Your sanity restoration experts are waiting for you at Yama Yoga. No matter what your experience level or schedule, the experts at Yama Yoga have a class for you.
