Catherine Foley Tavern History
From a widow’s saloon to a brewery stronghold, an LGBTQ+ bar, and a student union—this 140-year-old building has seen it all.
It has survived fire, Prohibition, and even narrowly escaped demolition. Now, since 2024, under ownership of the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, plans are underway to preserve its rich history and transform it into their future home and leasable space, restoring the spirit of this once-flourishing tavern.
1884
Tavern Built
Catherine Foley, an Irish immigrant, builds the tavern after being widowed nine years earlier. Foley ran the tavern as a saloon and boarding house, managing it and renting to other saloon keepers over the years including John Blum, Frank Belberick, John Betz, and James McCarthy.
1892
Third Ward Fire
Third Ward Fire erupts, practically erasing the entire neighborhood, destroying nearly 440 buildings, leaving 2,500 people unhoused and killing five. However, the tavern survives and stands as a cornerstone amidst terrible destruction.
1896
Miller Saloon
Sold to Miller Brewing, the city’s fourth-largest brewery, which stayed competitive by selling only Miller beer in its saloons, a strategy that helped it weather Prohibition and the Great Depression.
1972
Wreck Room Bar
The building became the Wreck Room, described on Milwaukee’s notorious cowboy/levi-leather bar and later became largely associated with Silver Stars Motorcycle/Leather Club.
1996
MIAD Student Union
The tavern was sold to the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and used as the MIAD student union until it was damaged in a 2013 fire.
2014
Becomes Vacant
Became locally designated as a landmark and acquired by Gen Capital Group and Joseph Property Development and considered for demolition, but were stymied by the City of Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission.
2024
Donated to MPA
The tavern was donated tot he Milwaukee Preservation Alliance instead. We are currently working to preserve the tavern’s rich history, with plans to transform it into a leasable space that restores the once-flourishing tavern.
