SOUTH MILWAUKEE – In its 115 years, the J.R. Grunder Building in downtown South Milwaukee – today home to Moran’s Pub – has housed everything from a real estate office to a bakery, confectionary, and ice cream parlor to a pool hall to a lunch room, restaurant and cafe. Go-go dancers danced here at one point.
Indeed, 912 Milwaukee Ave. has about seen it all since it was built in 1907. Now you can add “wizard-themed pop-up” to that list, as Moran’s Pub transforms from an Irish and sports pub to something even more magical in the month of October. The pop-up, curated by local artist Lauren Marvell, includes events, specialty drinks, games and more through October 31.
The idea was Marvell’s; she is a Milwaukee artist who has worked closely with Moran for years as a designer. Marvell is an executive board member of the Cudahy Art Coalition, and her work as an illustrator has included the design of beer labels for Central Waters Brewing Co. She has also created a mural for the Cudahy Health Department and illustrations for the city of South Milwaukee to beautify empty storefronts in its downtown. Marvell also won a nationwide design competition with Culver’s as part of the “Thank You Farmers Project.” “It was rewarding to be able to work on something special for a pub that means so much to me,” Marvell said. “The best part was working with my sister, boyfriend, James, and a few other friends to create a truly memorable (and magical) experience for the community. Halloween has always been my absolute favorite, and I have a feeling this is going to be my favorite Halloween yet.”