A new music and event hall has been proposed for the historic Walker’s Point building that formerly housed Gibraltar, a speakeasy-style bar and lounge that closed on July 28.
Walker’s Point Music Hall, which would open at 538 W. National Ave., would feature live, local music of various genres. It will also serve alcohol and offer a space for hosting events.
Owners Jay Stamates and James Rice want to open the new concept this fall. Rice said he sees the need for a medium-sized music venue in the Milwaukee area.
“We have places like Pabst and Turner putting on huge, awesome shows and bars doing music, but this is different,” he said. “It’s the middle ground. It’s always changing and improving.”
The venue will host entertainment offerings including DJs, comedy acts, karaoke and dancing, according to a license application submitted to the city. It will be open daily from 11 a.m. to close.
In an effort to give back to the Walker’s Point community, Rice said, he hopes to donate a portion of the bar’s proceeds each month to a local charity. His first charity of choice will be Milwaukee Courage House, which is homeless shelter for LGBTQ teens and youth.
Gibraltar closed last month after two years, announcing the closure on its Facebook page. The music lounge, which was owned by Evan Burgess, hosted a wide variety of live performers and DJs.
Walker’s Point Music Hall will be one of several live music venues in Walker’s Point, including Caroline’s Jazz Club and Michai’s Quiet Storm Smooth Jazz Lounge.
