Be MKE: Social media star's local house flip, Doors Open, the late queen's 'visit' here

Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·9 min read

Who we are. Where we go. What we need to know.

I'm having a very Milwaukee week.

On Friday, I lip-synched (very enthusiastically, might I add) and danced the night away at Howl at the Moon.

I went for a lakefront walk Saturday morning and stopped by Discourse: A Coffee Workshop at the Milwaukee Art Museum. I'm a peach person, so I tried the Summer Flame which includes muddled peach, spiced peach powder, a peach slice on top, espresso and more. 17/10 would recommend.

Summer Flame from Discourse: A Coffee Workshop at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Summer Flame from Discourse: A Coffee Workshop at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Later that day, I cheered on the Brewers at AmFam Field. I'm not saying I'm a good luck charm like Ben Tajnai is for the Bucks ... but the crew did beat the Cincinnati Reds, 5-1.

On Monday morning, the Milwaukee TV show where I had my first internship celebrated its 16th anniversary (Happy sweet 16, "Morning Blend"!) Some former interns, including myself, got to make little video messages about our time with the program and what we're up to now.

Be MKE Sept. 14, 2022: Hannah Kirby at the Riverwalk Commons' Summer Concert Series in the Third Ward on Sept. 13, 2022.
Be MKE Sept. 14, 2022: Hannah Kirby at the Riverwalk Commons' Summer Concert Series in the Third Ward on Sept. 13, 2022.

Last night, I checked out a restaurant I had been meaning to try since it opened earlier this summer: Saffron Modern Indian Dining in the Third Ward. And after, I swung by the Riverwalk Commons Summer Concert Series.

I'll be heading over to Fiserv Forum Thursday night to see one of my favorite artists of all time: Post Malone.

I'm sure I'll be post-ing wayyy too much about it. But please feel free to follow along.

Let’s talk business

Some inspo for your week. Social media influencer Sophia Zang, 25, spent a year and a half renovating a $340,000 Tudor home in Whitefish Bay. The Cedarburg resident invested an additional $645,000 into the project, which included a major addition. Zang documented the journey — even hiring a professional camera crew — for her 475,000 TikTok followers, 86,800 Instagram followers and 117,000 YouTube subscribers. Her goal with the "restoration" was to break even and advertise her abilities to potential customers. The house, 5462 N. Santa Monica Blvd., ended up selling for $1,089,900, according to the Metro Multiple Listing Service. Looking ahead, Zang plans to flip more properties in the Milwaukee area and expand her design consulting services.

This remodeled Whitefish Bay Tudor, renovated by Sophia Zang, recently sold for $1,089,900, according to the Metro Multiple Listing Service.
This remodeled Whitefish Bay Tudor, renovated by Sophia Zang, recently sold for $1,089,900, according to the Metro Multiple Listing Service.

Teens Grow Greens Inc., a Milwaukee nonprofit that helps teens earn money while working to grow produce, flowers and other greenery, is planning a $7 million development. Through the new Green Acre project, the group will build several greenhouses and learning spaces at Weber's Greenhouse, 4215 N. Green Bay Avenue. So far, the organization has raised $3.34 million, including a $592,700 state grant, for The Green Acre. The project's first phase is to be done by fall 2023.

Teens work at Weber's Greenhouse, part of the Teens Grow Greens program, in April 2021.
Teens work at Weber's Greenhouse, part of the Teens Grow Greens program, in April 2021.

It's almost time to say goodbye to American Family Field's Restaurant To Be Named Later. The Milwaukee Brewers said that they plan to scrap the concept for a new one. “This initiative involves a complete reimagination of the facility with a new concept that will be a great fit for the space and fan expectations,” Rick Schlesinger, Brewers president – business operations, said in a statement. Additional details regarding the space, located in left field, will be announced at a later date. The Restaurant To Be Named Later will remain open only on home game days for the remainder of the 2022 season.

If you watch the FX/Hulu vampire comedy "What We Do in the Shadows," you've probably noticed its Wisconsin connections. And if you haven't? HOW. In the episode "Go Flip Yourself," there are more than A DOZEN Milwaukee Tool product placements, including a stop, pause and rewind, "Did I just see that?" moment. And also a name drop for Kohl's, which is headquartered in Menomonee Falls. This comes after a season opener that briefly introduced a Wisconsin family, including a dad in a Green Bay Packers shirt and a vampire mimicking the Wisconsin accent.

Out and about

People can visit more than 100 buildings and sites of architectural, historical and cultural interest during this year's Doors Open Milwaukee. This includes places that are rarely open to the pubic and some backstage areas. Most Doors Open events are free; some are ticketed. Here's what to know, from buildings that are part of the 2022 installment to what kinds of tours are available. The annual showcase, presented by Historic Milwaukee Inc., runs Sept. 24-25. Check the Doors Open site at historicmilwaukee.org/doors-open for info on free spots, tour tickets and requirements. Oh, and don't forget to wear comfy shoes.

The Calatrava wing of the Milwaukee Art Museum is one of more than 100 places people can visit during Doors Open Milwaukee 2022.
The Calatrava wing of the Milwaukee Art Museum is one of more than 100 places people can visit during Doors Open Milwaukee 2022.

The popular China Lights Wisconsin Festival at Hales Corners' Boerner Botanical Gardens will return this year — and with an "Alice in Wonderland" theme. "Adventure in Lantern Wonderland" will feature new, hand-painted, LED-illuminated sculptures of the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts and other characters from the tale. The fest — located at 9400 Boerner Drive, in the northeast corner of Whitnall Park — will run Sept. 16 through Oct. 30, with multiple shows every Tuesday through Sunday evening. The event was canceled the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing shortages.

Visitors walk through a tunnel of lights near the entrance of the China Lights lantern festival at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners in 2019. This year, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and staffing shortages, China Lights will return to the gardens Sept. 16-Oct. 30.
Visitors walk through a tunnel of lights near the entrance of the China Lights lantern festival at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners in 2019. This year, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and staffing shortages, China Lights will return to the gardens Sept. 16-Oct. 30.

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is performing "Unforgettable: John-Mark McGaha Sings Nat King Cole," a friendly, upbeat concert-style production. Cole was both a major pop vocalist and a significant jazz pianist, with hits including "Mona Lisa," "Nature Boy," "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons" and the title song. Cole also was a Black performer with enormous crossover appeal at the end of the Jim Crow era, meaning he endured abuse (and, in one case, an assault) from segregationists. The show — at the Stackner Cabaret, 108 E. Wells Street — runs through Nov. 6. Tickets can be purchased at milwaukeerep.com or by calling 414-224-9490.

John-Mark McGaha sings the music of Nat King Cole in "Unforgettable," staged by Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
John-Mark McGaha sings the music of Nat King Cole in "Unforgettable," staged by Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

As your resident Marquette stan, this needed to be included. The Big East released its men's basketball schedule in full last week. The Golden Eagles will open the season Dec. 16 at home against Creighton, a team that should be regarded as the favorite in the Big East this year. MU hits the road Dec. 20 for its first Big East road test at the home of reigning Big East champion, Providence. Here's a look at Marquette's conference games for the 2022-23 season. The team opens its nonconference schedule Nov. 7 at Fiserv Forum against Radford.

Marquette head coach Shaka Smart is shown during the second half of their game Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. Marquette beat Xavier 75-64.
Marquette head coach Shaka Smart is shown during the second half of their game Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis. Marquette beat Xavier 75-64.

Don’t go hangry

Here's another new food hall to check out in Milwaukee. Vendors at North Avenue Market, 5900 W. North Ave., include A & B Desserts, Arty's Sweet Talk Cupcakes, A Taste of Java, Fresh Farm Bowls, Mosler's Vault cocktail bar operated by the owners of Bittercube, The Packed Picnic Co., Sam's Deli and S'lendid Boba Tea. The facility features seating for 150 people, a drive-thru window, live entertainment, family-friendly games, and an indoor/outdoor fireplace. The hall is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

North Avenue Market has seating for up to 150 people within a remodeled former bank branch.
North Avenue Market has seating for up to 150 people within a remodeled former bank branch.

Downtown workers: Some new food and drink options are coming our way. Associated Bank River Center, 111 E. Kilbourn Avenue, will be opening River Center Market. The space will feature Toro Tacos & Bowls, an Asian-Latin inspired taqueria with a focus on tacos and bowls; On Rye, which will offer soups and sandwiches; and KnockBox Coffee & Market, with Stone Creek Coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. A bar named Vault will be located on the second floor and overlook the Milwaukee River and the public river walk. All of this is scheduled to open in spring 2023.

A new bar, Vault, is coming to Associated Bank River Center, a downtown Milwaukee office tower.
A new bar, Vault, is coming to Associated Bank River Center, a downtown Milwaukee office tower.

The owners of Sweet Diner in the Third Ward are planning to open a restaurant named District 4 Social next door to their popular high-end breakfast and lunch diner, according to a liquor license application filed with the city. The new eatery's proposed opening date is Oct. 15.

Sweet Diner's large windows overlook East Chicago Street in the Third Ward. Its owners have applied to open another restaurant next door, District 4 Social.
Sweet Diner's large windows overlook East Chicago Street in the Third Ward. Its owners have applied to open another restaurant next door, District 4 Social.

Here are the talkers

We couldn't not talk about the wild rainfall we got earlier this week. A stubborn, slow-moving storm system dumped a month's worth — or more — of rain on our area and southeast Wisconsin Sunday into Monday. Rainfall totals as of 9:30 a.m. Monday for Milwaukee Mitchell International and Milwaukee (Menomonee Valley) were 5.57 inches and 5.23 inches, respectively, according to the National Weather Service and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. The deluge led to a sewer overflow. In an effort to lessen the amount of water being released into the city's water bodies, the Milwaukee Metro Sewerage District asked residents Sunday night to use less water in their homes. There's another chance for rain this weekend, per the weather service.

A school bus is partially submerged in flood water near Pilgrim Park Middle School on Pilgrim Parkway in Elm Grove on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. A slow moving storm dumped more than a month’s worth of rain on southeast Wisconsin on Sunday and early Monday, leading to flooding across the region.
A school bus is partially submerged in flood water near Pilgrim Park Middle School on Pilgrim Parkway in Elm Grove on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. A slow moving storm dumped more than a month’s worth of rain on southeast Wisconsin on Sunday and early Monday, leading to flooding across the region.

Might want to grab a box of tissues before proceeding. The "Play Ball" kids from last Saturday's Milwaukee Brewers game and first baseman Rowdy Tellez shared a touching moment. In a video the kids' father, Eric Michaelis, posted on Twitter, Michaelis mentioned to Tellez that his sons, Miles, 5, and Clayton, 8, were mourning the loss of their mother, Elizabeth, who died from cancer in April. Tellez also lost his mother, Lori, to brain cancer in 2018. Tellez later signed bats for the boys, with the message, "She will always be with you!"

Brewers first baseman Rowdy Tellez presents signed bats to Miles Michaelis (left) and Clayton Michaelis before the Brewers game against the Reds on Sept. 10, 2022. The boys were on the field as part of Festival Foods' "Play Ball" promotion. Their mother, Elizabeth, died of cancer in April; Tellez's own mother, Lori, died after battling cancer in 2018.

The 2022 Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon has been canceled after organizers and the city couldn't come to an agreement on permits. The event — including a half marathon and 5K race — was scheduled for Oct. 2 on a new course, which would have started near the Italian Community Center and included crossing the Hoan Bridge. The cancelation came as a "huge disappointment" to runners who had spent months training. An event spokesperson said the organizers hoped to collaborate with city officials "to create a successful event in 2023."

Runners leave the starting line of the 2018 Lakefront Marathon near Grafton High School on their way to a finish at Veterans Park on the Milwaukee lakefront.
Runners leave the starting line of the 2018 Lakefront Marathon near Grafton High School on their way to a finish at Veterans Park on the Milwaukee lakefront.

Did you know that the late Queen Elizabeth II once visited Milwaukee? Well ... kinda sorta. In 1959, she came to North America to join U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower in ceremonies formally opening the St. Lawrence Seaway. The queen and her husband, Prince Philip, then embarked on a 15,000-mile, 45-day tour of Canada and the Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan. At one point, the Britannia and its floating entourage were about one mile off the breakwater off Milwaukee's outer harbor. The Journal noted that, technically, Elizabeth and Philip were within Milwaukee city limits for about 45 minutes. Of course, scores of people tried to catch a glimpse of the commotion.

A smiling Queen Elizabeth beams back at the crowds of Chicagoans who lined the streets July 6, 1959, to welcome the British monarch to the city. The queen traveled through the Great Lakes via the newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway; her yacht, the Britannia, sailed past Milwaukee.
A smiling Queen Elizabeth beams back at the crowds of Chicagoans who lined the streets July 6, 1959, to welcome the British monarch to the city. The queen traveled through the Great Lakes via the newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway; her yacht, the Britannia, sailed past Milwaukee.

Be MKE,

Hannah

Like this newsletter? Share it with a friend. Was this sent to you? Sign up here.

To see what I'm up to around the city, follow me on Instagram @hannahhopekirby. Always keeping it pretty profesh over on Twitter @hannahhopekirby. Be MKE love or comments can be sent to hannah.kirby@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Be MKE: Social media star's house flip, Doors Open, late queen's visit