That area was once a ward for electoral purposes in Milwaukee: the wards are now "aldermanic districts" and the "precincts" have become "wards," but whatever. At one time, that was the commercial district for the distribution of produce, and nearby were the insurance and banking offices. These days, that warehouse space has proven useful for galleries and eateries and it's definitely not low-rent any more, not with warehouses abutting the railroad tracks (yes, those featuring the Hiawatha service so dear to Cold Spring Shops) being converted to loft dwellings, and with the former Fire Department boathouse (no, there is no sliding pole from sleeping quarters to dockside) being converted for housing, along with the shoe polish factory that as late as 2013 was still determinedly in the shoe polish business.
And now one of the first establishments to demonstrate the play value in the Third Ward is leaving.
Milwaukee Ale House says they will not be renewing their lease on Water Street after the building's owners have decided to go in a different direction. The last day at the location will be Sunday, Sept. 11.The Ale House has been a regular recombobulation area on those Cold Spring Shops jaunts into Milwaukee and its outdoor tables feature a view across the river of The Milwaukee Road's crossing of the Menomonee River at its confluence with the Milwaukee River. Gathering place of the waters, indeed. The geography at the location makes it better for train watching than for train photography. It seems likely that there will still be waterside tables, if not run by the Ale House, run by other eateries, along that stretch of the river.
"Very few places have been around for this long," Milwaukee Ale House said. "After such a long tenure here on the water, we are losing our beautiful home, and the city is losing a staple in the restaurant and brewing scene."
Still, it's another chapter of Everything I Like Goes Away.
No comments:
Post a Comment