THE LAS CENTER OF MILWAUKEE

Third Ward Milwaukee, WI

The LAS (Literary Arts Society) was looking to expand it’s business to Milwaukee, this project proposes an independent approach to their demands. LAS had requested that the Third Ward, a historic district, be the home of the new LAS location.

The architecture within the Third Ward proves it has been frozen in time, with ornate buildings and the famous cream city bricks, that tower the sidewalks. The Milwaukee River carves through the city, allowing for the river to be seen from every angle.

LAS requested a tavern that attached to the learning center, attracting more foot traffic in a post-pandemic world. The solution given with this design, was a hybrid of Tavern / Learning Center / Coffee Shop. Given two floors, with optimal square footage, this design flowed more naturally and had the space to be split in thirds. While keeping in mind the exact needs for the learning center (Bookcases, a performing area, open seating, and seating with privacy), it blends perfectly with the adjacent coffee space, placed in the most visible area from the sidewalk.

The tavern can be approached from the sidewalk or a separate side entrance, by connecting them via a “script tunnel” and clear walking paths. The loft styled tavern then stretches into the basement, giving it the river views and proper room for a kitchen. All while overlooking a gold chandelier, bar, and the river. Milwaukee holds many historic architectural elements and this design embraces them all, from cream city brick to classic style columns. When you enter the LAS center, you are frozen in time, with the Third Ward.