Last May, we reported that plans for the East Side food park in the former Zak's / Humboldt Gardens building at 2249 N. Humboldt Ave. (a.k.a. 1025 E. North Ave.) were officially approved by the Historical Preservation Committee. The approval marked the clearance of a significant hurdle for the project, which aims to restore an endangered historic building.

This morning saw yet another positive step forward for the highly anticipated development, which met with approval from the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee.  The committee's approval paves the way for the project to be officially presented to the Common Council for ratification.

A piece of Old Milwaukee

Behind the ambitious project is Clarence Morse, owner of Dark Horse Development, whose proposal to fully restore the former Schlitz tied house, which dates back to 1890, was accepted by the City of Milwaukee as part of the RFP proposal process in 2021.

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“I knew that the road would be long, and that the process would be difficult,” says Morse. “But I truly believe that this building could be a catalyst for this corner.”

Morse says that, as he awaits final approval from the City, he is also working with Consultant Donna Weiss of Preserve LLC to submit a proposal for the Humboldt Gardens property to be listed among the properties on the National Registry of Historic Places.

“The designation not only offers us tax credits, but it protects the building and ensures the preservation of its architectural integrity,” he says, noting that Weiss will be an integral part of the process, overseeing the restoration of the property and conducting the necessary reporting and documentation needed to ensure its historical stature.”

History + Opportunity

“Not only are we preserving a piece of Milwaukee’s history, but we are creating a food space that will create opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs," says Morse of the proposed food park.  "

It’s a project meant to bolster the community and offer entrepreneurs a shared risk proposition that’s far more navigable than establishing a single tenant restaurant.”

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Morse’s plans for the property include an outdoor food park on the south side of the building, which would accommodate food trucks, trailers and/or other food vendors, as well as outdoor seating and a stage for live entertainment.

A bar, eatery and coffee shop are slated for the first floor of the building, along with a commercial kitchen space in the basement, which would serve as home base for food vendors and aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Plans also include the creation of office spaces on the second floor of the building, with the upper floor used as the headquarters for Dark Horse Development.

Morse, who has performed mitigation to prevent further deterioration of the building as he makes his way through the approval process, says he’s more than ready to move forward as soon as the process allows.

“The building has been neglected for a long time and it definitely needs a significant amount of work,” he says. “But it’s not beyond repair. We are really excited to get started so that we can bring it back to life.”