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Milwaukee has more than 75 distinct neighborhoods. Here’s what to know about the Historic Third Ward neighborhood, which is home to several hundred businesses and about 2,200 people.
Where is the Third Ward?
The Third Ward is bordered by Lake Michigan to the east, the Milwaukee River to the west and south, and East Clybourn Street to the north. The neighborhood is just south of downtown.
What is the Third Ward known for?
The Third Ward is known for its historic warehouse and manufacturing buildings that are now home to things like restaurants, boutiques, galleries and other businesses — as well as apartments and condominiums.
Catalano Square is a triangular greenspace park bordered by East Menomonee Street, East Erie Street and North Young Street. It hosts a beer garden and free concerts in the summer; in the winter, Catalano Square is home to a Christmas tree and Santa.
The neighborhood is also home to the Milwaukee Public Market, a beautiful stretch of the Milwaukee Riverwalk, Lakeshore State Park, and Henry Maier Festival Park, which hosts a number of ethnic festivals as well as the popular longtime music festival Summerfest.
New apartment developments are also being built there, including the 257-unit Evoni project at East Summerfest Place and North Lincoln Memorial Drive and a 31-story, 305-unit tower at 333 N. Water St.
What makes the Third Ward historic?
The Third Ward is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Milwaukee.
The Third Ward was originally marshland, and was Native American territory. In the mid-1800s, Irish immigrants worked to fill the swampland and then built houses for themselves, becoming the first Europeans to settle there. The working-class neighborhood had the highest number of saloons in the city and the highest arrest rate, and came to be known as the “Bloody Third.”
In 1892, the worst fire in Milwaukee history destroyed more than 400 buildings over 16 square blocks, leaving about 2,000 people homeless.
Much of the Third Ward was rebuilt from the 1890s through the early part of the 20th century. One building that survived the fire was the historic Miller Tavern/Catherine Foley Building, 266 E. Erie St.
The neighborhood drew Italian immigrants who operated produce businesses on Commission Row, centered on North Broadway between East St. Paul Avenue and East Buffalo Street. Most were from Sicily – and many came from Palermo or its nearby cities and towns.
The Third Ward remains home to the Italian Community Center.
New to the Third Ward? Here are some helpful links for services, information
Tell us about your Milwaukee neighborhood. We want to hear from you!
What makes your Milwaukee neighborhood special to you? Do you have any photos in the neighborhood you’d like to share? Share more at bit.ly/MKE_Neighborhoods.
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