Pierre Juneau purchased the original land in the 19th century and turned it from a marshy wetland to a dry area suitable for settlers. The area attracted Irish settlers and by the 1850s the ward had a reputation as a rough and tumble area. In 1892 the Third Ward Fire destroyed the neighborhood and the age of the Irish Third ward was at an end. The next wave of settlers to come to the Third Ward were the Italians. They established a tight knit community based on the fresh grocery distribution industry. Metal awnings of “Commission Row” hung before horse-drawn carts on Broadway as fruits and vegetables changed hands.

Centered around the little pink church near Jackson and Clybourn , Third Ward Italians enjoyed their summer festas including music and processions. During prohibition the Third Ward was known for its speak easies. In 1932 the Florentine opera was formed there.

In 1978 Third Ward Italians held Milwaukee’s first city wide ethnic festival and Milwaukee’s ethnic festival tradition was born. The area continued to flourish and develop. In an effort to preserve its’ inheritance, in 1984, 70 Third Ward buildings and 10 blocks were added to the National Register of Historic Places. Based in its historic past, the Third Ward has continued to evolve and develop.

Now it is a chic area, populated with distinct restaurants, unique specialty shops, art galleries and theater venues. It has become a destination location in the city. Come and find your place in the exciting Third Ward on the River at the River Renaissance Condominium project.