The House of RAD has had an existence that may be as nomadic as it has been successful. The idea for an artist and craftsperson collective first started near the end of 2019. At this point, Minga had been a resident artist at Flux Design, working independently and occasionally contracting with them, but it had been recently shuttered. So he moved down the block with his friend Tim Priebe, into a small, 1,000-square footprint at Fratney and Nash Streets in Riverwest's Riverworks District.
Together they built lofted studios and conceived of an arts and crafts group that could work together and build inspiration between its members, creating a larger whole.
Thus, the House of RAD was born. But within months, their creative spark had caught fire, and they quickly found themselves needing more space to fan the flames.
So they tore everything down, and hauled it all across the alley to a footprint of some 10,000 square feet, increasing their artist capacity along with it.
A handful of studios were built out, but it was only a matter of months when it happened again. Minga and Priebe parted ways, business-wise, and Minga packed up the arts collective and moved to the former C&D factory building around the corner, on Keefe Avenue and Bremen Street. The old industrial building offered 35,000 square feet, and was capable of supporting more than 60 artists.
But it doesn't stop there.
As I write this today, I am here to tell you that yes, once again, Minga's House of RAD is moving and expanding, doubling their footprint in the former Brass Light Gallery warehouse* at 12th Street and St. Paul Avenue, next to the Brass Light Gallery itself.
(*Don't worry, Brass Light Gallery fans, they aren't going anywhere; they are remaining in their historic location, relinquishing only the former warehouse building to the House of RAD.)
This move means that, for the first time, the artist collective will move outside of the one-block radius it has wandered around within the Riverworks District, and nestle it within the historic buildings of the St. Paul Ave. Design District, which –according to the its application for the National Register of Historic Places – is "one of Milwaukee’s most architecturally intact historic industrial areas."
The building is currently being purchased by a newly developed investment group called the Aether Society (pronounced ee-thur), which is a partnership between Minga and several other artists of the House of RAD.
"House of RAD offers not just space, but an energy – a comprehensive ecosystem with state-of-the-art facilities, professional development, and programs that foster collaboration among artists, designers, and makers," said Minga in his plan of operation. "Our artist-centric business model, featuring diverse revenue streams from studio rentals to collaborative projects, ensures sustainability while empowering artists to build impactful careers."
The new location should be capable of supporting 80 to 100 artists, with approximately 85 percent of the current House residents plan on transitioning to the new downtown location. This will take some time, though, to ensure the building is ready for prime time with the build-out planned to conclude in 2026 and artists moving in in 2027.
A little history
That area around 12th and St. Paul was originally established in 1874 by two German immigrants, who founded the Hilty and Sands planing mill, one of many lumber yards and wood-working companies in the area (such as Lumberman's Planing Mill and Northwestern Carriage & Sleigh Co).
Some 40 years later, in 1911, a large fire would come to destroy the company and its stock, after which, in 1912, the Hilty Lumber Company would construct the building that now stands there today. The company also added new planing mills and storage sheds behind West St. Paul Avenue and between the Menomonee River canal, and the now non-existent Kneeland Canal.
Historic Sanborn fire insurance maps from 1894 show the span of the Hilty Lumber Company before the fire, including the Kneeland Canal.
The Hilty Lumber Company eventually left their location along West St. Paul Avenue in the late 1930s. It, and the neighboring buildings eventually became home to assorted manufacturers, including Cutler-Hammer (1920s-70s), Aldrich Chemical Co. (1970s-2000s), Falk Manufacturing Corporation (1980s) and – more contemporarily – the Brass Light Gallery's warehouse.
In fact, chains used to store their chandeliers still remain in the building.
Most recently a portion of the building was home to ProStar Surfaces, an athletic flooring company.
There is still a clearly a lot of work to do to clean up and build out the new home, but that has been a thread that has tied together every iteration of the House of RAD. Big space. Lots of potential. And a lot more elbow grease. But when it's complete, Minga hopes to enliven Milwaukee's creative community.
"By offering this comprehensive ecosystem of support, House of RAD empowers independent and under-resourced artists to push boundaries, build sustainable careers, and create lasting impact in their communities. We’re not just providing space – we’re cultivating the next generation of artistic innovators who will shape Milwaukee’s cultural landscape and beyond.
"Through our efforts, we’re establishing Milwaukee as a beacon for creative innovation and cultural vibrancy, positioning our city at the forefront of the national arts scene."
The House of RAD will be celebrating its 5th-year anniversary at their new location on March 28. You can follow the exploits of the House of RAD on Instagram.
First look
Second floor
More information about the House of RAD can be found at houseofradmke.com.
Jason McDowell grew up in central Iowa and moved to Milwaukee in 2000 to attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.
In 2006 he began working with OnMilwaukee as an advertising designer, but has since taken on a variety of rolls as the Creative Director, tackling all kinds of design problems, from digital to print, advertising to branding, icons to programming.
In 2016 he picked up the 414 Digital Star of the Year award.
Most other times he can be found racing bicycles, playing board games, or petting dogs.
