Bar Exam
Monica’s on Astor Replaced Former Bordello
It's a cozy, unique bar in building that goes back to 1850s. But about that racy history...
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It's a cozy, unique bar in building that goes back to 1850s. But about that racy history... Back to the full article.
Photos - Page 3
A great neighborhood bar.
About that racy history… what about it?
Haven’t been to this basement bar yet, but now I long to visit! Thanks for the review and the research, Michael Horne!
Michael – I acknowledge this was a review about a bar and filed under architecture/real estate, but I was hoping for comment in the article about how the aesthetics of the multiple exterior renovations pan out in 2015.
While that building never had Milwaukee’s favorite 1930s-1960s urban upgrade — a single story retail space slapped on to the front — that makes the remnants of its rare period style sadly more apparent. It looks like it’s just one Home Depot renovation away from being a eyesore. But at least the building isn’t vacant. (from a long-time neighborhood resident)
Dear Matt — I did not write the head or the deck for this story, and I did not use the word “racy” in my account. I hope the story rests on its own merits, and I shall ask the headline and deck writing department to tone down the titillation, when none is intended. Now about those old days at the Electronic Businessmen’s Club …
Dear Gary — Your concerns about the aesthetics of the building are well-founded. The main problem in that line is the fenestration and the porch. The owners have spent money on building fundamentals. You will note that the cornice has been completely repainted this year, along with roof repair / replacement. It is to be hoped that more extensive and historically appropriate work will be done in the future as conditions and finances merit. The owners are aware of Historic Tax Credits, Facade Grants and other vehicles, but these require considerable matching investment, and these are tough times in the tavern business.
I have encountered photographs of the building from 1972 that clearly articulate the original windows and porch. The upper bay window was partially enclosed with that hideous textured wood by 1975, and the other windows replaced sometime later with the current editions. The building is remarkably fortunate in the fine condition of its details, including carved gargoyles. I think time and the marketplace will take care of this building.
I am the founder of Astor Street Studios, which has occupied the first floor in the north half of 1228 N Astor St since 2010. My business partner and the current owner of the studios, CJ, did extensive research on the building at Milwaukee’s Central Library. City records show that the building was erected in 1850.
Thanks for writing such an informative article! I was fascinated by the info on the history Yankee Hill.