Skip to content

Harbor House

New Take on an Aging Lakefront Restaurant | Milwaukee, WI

Restauranteur Joe Bartolotta and philanthropist Michael Cudahy, acquired this aging restaurant and created one of Milwaukee’s finest restaurants located on the lakefront.

The existing long low continuous roof was lifted and divided into three sections. Each section was then repositioned at differing heights to create different views throughout the restaurant. The underside of the roof sections were then painted a light color to lighten the spaces and give an expansive feel.

The existing dining room floor was divided into two levels with the higher side on the south. The lower, north side was raised to even the dining room floor and create a flexible space to accommodate large parties.

The exterior patio to the west and the walk on the north side of the building were renovated with new masonry materials to create one of Milwaukee’s only venues that allows views of both Milwaukee’s skyline and Lake Michigan. 

GROTH Design Group collaborated with an interior design consultant.

Portfolio

Completion

2016

Square Footage

9,435

Services

renovation
interior design coordination
programming

Related Work

Stone Creek Coffee exterior
Award Winner

Stone Creek Coffee

Stone Creek re-purposed a 10-years-dormant corner into a lively destination for neighbors, university students, professionals and long-standing residents.

Orangetheory Fitness interior
Gym

Orangetheory Fitness

GROTH Design Group designed spaces for several Orangetheory Fitness locations throughout Wisconsin that support their brand.