Hoyt Park

CHALLENGE: Several years after its closing in 2003, The Friends of Hoyt Park Pool successfully rejuvenated the old Milwaukee County swimming hole with a family-friendly, modern pool. Following the initial success of the pool area, the Friends of Hoyt Park again looked to continue the community energy by remodeling the exterior of the old bathhouse as a European-style beer garden and all-weather event space.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The master plan took advantage of the active Oak Leaf Trail to create a pedestrian-friendly beer garden—The Landing at Hoyt Park—that is welcoming to the greater community while expanding the pool amenities for increased family enjoyment.
• To honor the existing building, the beer garden serving area was designed to seamlessly open up to the Oak Leaf Trail.
• Instead of introducing a typical storefront aesthetic, the design team recessed the serving area into the existing structure and highlighted it with traditional barn doors.
• Taking advantage of the barn doors from historic photography provided a means to translate the history of the bathhouse to the new generations of users.
• The rich historic wood of the old entryway adds to the charm and nostalgia of the building while creating a comfortable walk-up ordering point for the new kitchen and full-service counter.
• The surrounding picnic area includes a patio space defined by landscaping and overhead fescue lighting. Colored sails further define the picnic bench seating and build upon the nautical theme of the Landing without obstructing the architecture of the existing building.
• The addition of a stage for live music and a shared green space with access to the river activate the whole area, making it a family-friendly destination along the Oak Leaf Trail.
• With the design flexibility built into the beer garden serving area, The Grand Hall became an indoor gathering space that could easily receive service directly from The Landing.
• The Grand Hall was renovated to preserve the historic 1930s craftsmanship while enhancing the space with modern acoustic treatments and updated lighting.
• Multiple seating areas offer comfortable gathering spaces for groups of varying sizes, including large banquet-style events.
• The large TVs, projection system and enhanced sound system provide the ideal venue for everything from wedding receptions to gatherings for Badger and Packer parties.
• The existing fireplace and sloped ceiling influenced the overall design and space planning for the new event space. Entertainment and acoustic improvements were built into sloped beams to accent the ceiling.
• Wood paneling and the stone fireplace influenced the movable planters that help define seating areas during smaller events.