Historic Third Ward wedding venue wins early city approval
Developer operates other event facilities nearby
A new venue for weddings and other events to be built in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward received a preliminary approval Wednesday.
Black Swan Enterprises LLC, which operates other nearby venues, plans to develop the building on a vacant lot at 100 N. Jefferson St.
The building, which would include a mezzanine level, would be just west of the Milwaukee Ballet Co.’s new Baumgartner Center for Dance, 128 N. Jackson St.
The Historic Third Ward Architectural Review Board approved a revised design for the building that includes more exterior detailing and other changes sought by board members.
The building’s design, by MSI General, is an homage to 19th-century neighborhood buildings that were initially used as factories and warehouses.
“In my opinion, you’re doing a historic reference building quite well,” said Greg Patin, a board member.
The venue also will need a special use permit from the Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeals.
Black Swan since 2016 has operated a venue for weddings and other events at the Third Ward’s Renaissance Building, 309 N. Water St.
It has since expanded to two additional venues, known as Plant No. 4 and Bianco Room, which operate in the Phoenix Building, at 219 N. Milwaukee St.
Black Swan was launched in 2008 by Peter Sheperd.
He opened Black Swan Banquet Hall overlooking the Milwaukee River at 1218 13th Ave., Grafton.
Sheperd closed that operation in 2016 when Black Swan opened at the Renaissance Building — another site overlooking the Milwaukee River.