Park Avenue

Bar Dance

500 N Water St
Milwaukee, WI 53202

State Region

Southeast WI

Neighborhood

Downtown

Year Opened: 1978
Year Closed: 1984

Exact Date Opened: Unknown
Exact Date Closed: Unknown

Clientele Primarily Identified As

Mixed

Logo:

Opening in November 1978, Park Avenue was a multi-story, sophisticated New York-style disco located in the historic Button Block building. It was known for its dazzling light towers, throbbing dance floor, and second-story viewing balcony. While primarily a straight club, it hosted gay nights on "Sundays." Community leaders launched a backlash against Park Avenue, claiming it was profiteering from gay customers it only welcomed one night a week. After a highly successful decade, Park Avenue closed its doors on New Year's Day, 1989. The space later became Bermudas (1990-1991) and Nitro (1992-1996.)