Name: The George is a Milwaukee hidden gem
Uploaded: 2025-11-04T04:46:00.194Z
Duration: 3 min 17 s
Description: The George and Madcap Lounge are true hidden gems in Milwaukee.

The George and Madcap Lounge are true hidden gems in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee

The George and Madcap Lounge, located at the corner of 5th and National in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point, has been transformed from a long-vacant 1882 boarding house into a vibrant social venue. Creative director Jay Franke describes the space as a blend of turn-of-the-century details and modern, airy design, with original features like steel beams and curated art by local Wisconsin artists.

The venue features the elegant George Ballroom and the more edgy, club-like Madcap Lounge downstairs, both of which have become popular for events such as weddings. After extensive renovations to address significant disrepair, the George and Madcap now serve as a unique gathering place, highlighting Milwaukee’s historic character and creative community.

The George is a Milwaukee hidden gem

Cassandra, over the last, I want to say 5-10 years, Walkers Point has really become this social destination. It has. And a few years ago, I was walking across the street and I was like, oh, what is this nondescript building at the corner of 5th and National? And what I discovered is tonight's hidden gem, the George Madcap. This building used to be a boarding house for many years, had a little bit of history to it. And the George comes after the founder of Walkers Point, George Walker. My name is Jay Franke. I am a creative director and interior designer of the George and the Madcap Lounge. It's a very curated space. So it has kind of the detailing of a turn of the century building. And so all of the historic cues are here. However, it feels very fresh and modern and airy. But I think the spirit of it is very historic and very grounded and rooted in the history This is the George Ballroom. I mean, look at the amazing scale, the ceiling height. So this is the actual original design of the ceiling that we redid that was here. These steel beams are original. And this was when this, the ballroom now was Hollywood shops. So that's by an artist named Tiana Bui. And very well known artist. She's from this area. When I saw this portrait, I just thought, this woman is dressed for an event at the George. And so she belongs here. I love it. And then this wall over here has a collection, again, all Wisconsin artists. A lot of people get married in front of it because it just has that impact and it tells such an amazing story. The building is originally from 1882. And had been vacant for almost a decade or more? Oh, longer. Yeah, longer. The building right now is right there, which that's what it looked like when we bought this building. I know. I can't believe it. It's crazy. There is, Jay, there is moss growing inside the building. I know. We bought this building. It was in complete disrepair, had water damage, smoke damage. Okay, let's go to my favorite spot. I'm going to go downstairs. Yes, I'm ready. The madcap is, in my opinion, a perfect pairing to this space here. This is kind of dressed for that's very elegant dinner. Then downstairs is a little bit more of an edgy vibe. The madcap has a series of spaces, feels very clubby, feels a little underground quality. I immediately saw this and thought, this is a hidden gem and more people should see and learn the process and the story behind it. So thanks for having us in. Well, thank you. My goodness. Now of course, full disclaimer, after we eloped, my husband and I, in Cape Town this past March, we celebrated with friends and family at the madcap and like I said, it is just a beautiful space. There's my boo. Yes. Oh, you're so beautiful. It was a wonderful time. But you know what? It's the kind of place that people needed to know about though. Yes. And we had such a good time just hanging out with our friends and it's right here in Milwaukee.

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