Catherine Foley Tavern
we’re living our mission in real time.
We’re taking 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 and utilize it as a living example of our mission. Throughout the project, we'll use construction as an educational opportunity to walk community members (from residents to developers, professionals to enthusiasts) through a tax-credit restoration project from start to finish. Once the project is finished, through an engaged historical exhibit, resource library, and dedicated staff and volunteers, the building will be open to the public as a center for preservation and advocacy, and will also have a 1,000 SF lease-able White Box space on the first floor.
With your support, the Catherine Foley Tavern will become a catalytic hub of preservation resources, storytelling, and community in the heart of downtown.
BUILT IN 1884-1885, THIS BUILDING HAS SEEN IT ALL
Progress Photos & Updates
The tavern building has been stabilized and is staying cozy for the time being.
It might be quiet, but the next phase has begun! Design development is COMPLETE and out for bid. This phase 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.
April 2024
October 2024
October 2024
October 2024
January 2025 All tarped up and ready for winter!
January 2025 All tarped up and ready for winter!
April 2025 Part 1 of our HTC process began.
April 2025 Part 1 of our HTC process began.
May 2025 Our inaugural Brick by Brick event at the Woman’s Club raised over $17,000 for restoration efforts!
May 2025 Our inaugural Brick by Brick event at the Woman’s Club raised over $17,000 for restoration efforts!
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:
General Capital Group and Joseph Property Development Donate Historic Third Ward Tavern to Milwaukee Preservation Alliance
January 2024 - 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.