Catherine Foley Tavern

The Catherine Foley Tavern has been many things over the years, but one thing it has always been is a place of social gathering.
Do you have any memories or photos of the Tavern over the years? We're looking to build a collection of stories and photos (particularly interior photos) - whether from the Miller tied house, Wreck Room, or MIAD student union.
Email us at [email protected] with the subject "Catherine Foley Tavern Story"! We can't wait to hear your stories!

Foley Tavern in the news!

Did you see our Tavern made it into this summer's Preservation Magazine!

Progress Photos

After recent issues with communicating our ownership, the Tavern has new construction signage.

Over the end of fall and beginning of winter you may see construction workers, equipment and lifts on site - we're sealing the building up for winter! This includes boarding up windows and patching holes in the roof to stop as much snow and rain from coming in as possible.

Restoration is scheduled to begin early Spring of 2025!

Progress photos from April 2024.

General Capital Group and Joseph Property Development Donate Historic Third Ward Tavern to Milwaukee Preservation Alliance

General Capital Group and Joseph Property Development are pleased to announce their donation of the historic Catherine Foley Tavern, 266 E. Erie Street in the Third Ward, to the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (MPA). Through this donation, MPA aims to fully restore the building using appropriate preservation techniques. MPA will begin work to stabilize the roof, foundation, and exterior walls as soon as contracts are signed, and permits are in hand.

“We could not be more thrilled with General Capital Group and Joseph Property Development’s willingness to work with us throughout the donation process, and their commitment to preservation and transparency,” says Milwaukee Preservation Alliance's Executive Director, Emma Rudd. “As many know, the tavern’s current condition is challenging. This is mainly due to a fire that occurred prior to General Capital Group and Joseph Property Development's ownership. But MPA’s Board of Directors said it best: ‘if we can’t save this building, then who can?’ This tavern has an incredibly rich 140-year history, and restoring it aligns directly with the core of MPA’s mission: protecting our city’s-built heritage. I cannot think of a more deserving project to take on.”

MPA intends to raise funds for the project via private donations, historic tax credits, and grants. For more information on the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, including how to donate, please visit our SUPPORT page.