Once a dive with bootleg liquor, now a spectacular setting for world class Belgian brews.
Once a dive with bootleg liquor, now a spectacular setting for world class Belgian brews. Back to the full article.
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Michael, thanks for another inspiring story about a “grand” restoration of what had been considered a “dead building.” One might think historic preservation of buildings would have gotten more supporters by now.
Maybe you could dissect what the pending state anti-preservation bill might mean for buildings with or without historic designations.
These days, whenever pols in Madison say they’re doing something to benefit business, there’s a good chance it will do the opposite (except possibly for a few crony businesses).
And yes, Milwaukee has done well with creating home-grown destinations that appeal to both locals and tourists…often by paying homage to Auld Lang Syne…
Cheers to you and UM!
Great article about the history of the building. It’s a great thing that Benelux took it over. Great restaurant space especially with the roof deck. I seem to remember that building being used as a senior art show gallery for MIAD back in the nineties when it was unoccupied by a business. It was in bad shape then. The Benelux has done a great job renovating it to what it is now…
Michael,
Nice job, as usual. When the BID restored the exterior of the building we were careful to adhere to the correct historical standards as supervised by the State. The building was also unusual in that each of the 6 original spaces were entirely separate with each having four sides of brick basement with 3 spaces facing Broadway and the others on “Detroit St”., now St Paul. The elevation was different on each side which results in the ramp to get to the now bathrooms. Benelux has been a great tenant and addition to the Historic Third Ward. And thanks for pointing out that the BID does pay property tax on the market buildings as well as on our parking ramps. Ron San Felippo, chair BID #2.
Thank you for bringing Cafe Benelux to my attention! I’ll bring my beer afficianado friends there! And thank you too for the great review, so well-researched and giving us a great sense of what went on before!