Popular Downtown/Third Ward event space SURG On The Water closed in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the riverside space at 102 N. Water St. is showing new signs of life.
License applications have been filed with the city for The Starling, a self-described “event space/venue with a bar and restaurant.” The Starling is the latest venture from Tyler Curran and Ramsey Renno, who own two other nearby event spaces, The Ivy House (906 S. Barclay St.) and Filament (131 W. Seeboth St.). Curran and Renno also own a DJ/sound/lighting company, Milwaukee Airwaves.
“From a humble popcorn wagon business and master bike mechanic that rocked the 2000s to the most-applauded Milwaukee DJ company in town,” reads an online bio, “these two have always done their work with passion, detail, and one toe in the pool of the next hottest thing. Collectively, Tyler and Ramsey have been in the wedding and events scene for over 30 years. So you could say they know a thing or two about making sure your journey will be poppin’ in the right gear.”
Plans call for bars and seating both indoors and outdoors on the RiverWalk. Outdoor seating will be set up on an event-by-event basis. Some “updates and cosmetic renovations to décor” are planned.
The Starling’s proposed opening day is listed as April 1, 2022. Approximately 45% of the business’ revenue will come from event rentals. Thirty percent will come from alcohol, 20 percent from food, and five percent from general entertainment.
