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.