Catherine Foley Tavern
we’re living our mission in real time.
Milwaukee Preservation Alliance is thrilled to take on the full restoration of historic 1885 Catherine Foley Tavern. From start to finish, following NPS, SHPO local HPC and Third Ward ARB guidelines, we’re going to bring 266 E. Erie Street back to life - the right way.
What’s the plan? We’re polishing her up to be our new home by Fall 2026!
Calling all storytellers!
Tavern Timeline
Tavern press coverage
Urban spelunking: Rebuilding Catherine Foley's triangle tavern in the Third Ward
Check out Bobby Tanzilo's Urban Spelunking article in OnMilwaukee for a great overview on the history and acquisition of the building.
Places Restored, Threatened, Saved, and Lost in Preservation Magazine's Summer 2024 Issue
Our Tavern made it into this summer's National Preservation Magazine!
Developers donate historic third ward tavern building for preservation
Read the press release.
Additional coverage:
Progress Photos
The tavern building has been winterized and is staying cozy for the time being.
It might be quiet, but the next phase has begun! Design development is underway and will include structural, exterior, and interior planning. We are thrilled to partner with ZS, LLC, Engberg Anderson Architects, and Beane Engineering for this work, and continue to entrust oversight to Berglund Construction.
January 2025 All tarped up and ready for winter!
Progress photos from April through November 2024.
General Capital Group and Joseph Property Development Donate Historic Third Ward Tavern to Milwaukee Preservation Alliance
General Capital Group and Joseph Property Development are pleased to announce their donation of the historic Catherine Foley Tavern, 266 E. Erie Street in the Third Ward, to the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (MPA). Through this donation, MPA aims to fully restore the building using appropriate preservation techniques. MPA will begin work to stabilize the roof, foundation, and exterior walls as soon as contracts are signed, and permits are in hand.
“We could not be more thrilled with General Capital Group and Joseph Property Development’s willingness to work with us throughout the donation process, and their commitment to preservation and transparency,” says Milwaukee Preservation Alliance's Executive Director, Emma Rudd. “As many know, the tavern’s current condition is challenging. This is mainly due to a fire that occurred prior to General Capital Group and Joseph Property Development's ownership. But MPA’s Board of Directors said it best: ‘if we can’t save this building, then who can?’ This tavern has an incredibly rich 140-year history, and restoring it aligns directly with the core of MPA’s mission: protecting our city’s-built heritage. I cannot think of a more deserving project to take on.”
MPA intends to raise funds for the project via private donations, historic tax credits, and grants. For more information on the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, including how to donate, please visit our SUPPORT page.