Recent real estate transactions in Milwaukee have stirred interest in the city’s vibrant bar scene. A limited liability company connected to an owner of the well-known Red Lion Pub has recently purchased the building that houses the Red Rock Saloon Milwaukee, located at 1221-1227 N. Water St. This acquisition raises questions about the future of one of Water Street’s popular nightspots.
State real estate records indicate that the property was sold for $1.7 million to Impala DK, LLC. Public records from the Department of Commerce identify Jeffrey A. Kovacovich, Jr. as the registered agent for Impala DK, LLC. This name is familiar in Milwaukee’s hospitality circles, as Jeffrey A. Kovacovich, Jr. is also an owner of the Red Lion Pub. The Red Lion Pub, a popular establishment on Tannery Row, is situated at 1850 N. Water St., approximately one mile northeast of the Red Rock Saloon Milwaukee.
Exterior of Red Rock Saloon in Milwaukee, WI, located on Water Street. The building housing the popular bar has been sold to a company linked to Red Lion Pub.
The seller of the building was Gremark Corp., based in Oconomowoc. Mark S. Gleisner is listed as the registered agent for Gremark Corp. in state records. Interestingly, there’s another connection to Red Lion Pub within the real estate details. The building at 1850 N. Water St. that houses Red Lion Pub is owned by Red Lion Real Estate, LLC. Christopher Tinker, also an owner of Red Lion Pub, is the registered agent for Red Lion Real Estate, LLC.
As of now, the specific plans for the Red Rock Saloon Milwaukee building remain unclear. Attempts to contact an owner at Red Lion Pub for comment were unsuccessful. Red Rock Saloon is part of the Wild Hospitality Group, which also operates McGillycuddy’s Bar and Grill on N. Water Street, and another Red Rock Saloon location in Madison. The acquisition by an affiliate of Red Lion Pub’s ownership adds an intriguing layer to the future of Red Rock Saloon Milwaukee and its place within the Wild Hospitality Group’s portfolio on Water Street. Further developments are anticipated as more information becomes available regarding the intentions of the new building owners.
