Ugly Building: Former RC’s Beer Garden

The former RC’s Beer Garden, 1530 E. North Ave., Milwaukee, was purchased in May 2018 by Welcome East Side LLC, which is registered to Harjeet “Rick” Walia. He and his brother Ajit “Jay” Walia operate several Milwaukee-area gas stations and convenience stores and are the former owners of the Park East Hotel.

The former RC’s has sat vacant since then. Walia couldn’t be reached for comment, but John Kesselman, who is the leasing agent on the property, said the owner would like to redevelop it.

“We’re looking at options,” he said.

An issue impeding redevelopment is that other buildings on the same block are in similar condition, Kesselman said. He added he has received more than 50 inquiries on the building, but it would need significant upgrades if someone were to reopen it as a restaurant or bar.