The Midtowne Spa, a national chain, operated a Milwaukee location from 2000 to 2016. Promising "once we open, we'll never close," Midtowne was the city's first gay bathhouse since 1988. Despite hosting multiple events in year one, the spa became known as an after-hours destination for anonymous sex. By 2015, the facility was in disrepair, and closing rumors circulated. The spa ceased advertising, and many believed it had already closed. The property sold for $1 million in fall 2016, and the Midtowne Spa closed its doors permanently, leaving Milwaukee once again without a gay bathhouse.