In a fascinating development in the heart of Wauwatosa Village, the former Swan Furniture and Interiors buildings at 7487 Harwood Ave. will soon be transformed into a wedding and events venue. Originally slated for demolition to make way for a set of townhouses, these historic buildings will instead be preserved and repurposed into an elegant and unique space for local celebrations.
The Vision Behind the Transformation
Originally, the property was to be sold to Mandel Group, developers of the Harlow & Hem complex that will feature 157 mixed-income apartments. However, in a turn of events, the owners of Swan decided to sell the buildings to Nat Davauer, who also owns the neighboring Draft & Vessel. Davauer purchased the property for $725,000 in July 2023 with the goal of preserving the site’s historic charm while making it a standout venue for weddings and events.
Instead of tearing down the buildings, Davauer is renovating all but the house, which sustained significant fire damage. The remaining structures include the house, a chapel built for a funeral home, and a single-story retail addition. The house will be removed, and in its place, plans include creating a sunken beer garden within the former basement or transforming it into a patio area for guests. This development will also include off-street parking to better accommodate the food trucks that serve Draft & Vessel.
A Historic Venue with Modern Flair
The chapel, which dates back to the early 20th century, is a key feature of the property. With its gothic windows and vaulted ceilings, it offers a truly unique setting for weddings. As part of the renovation, Davauer intends to restore the chapel’s original stone facade by removing several layers of brown paint that have marred its beauty over the years. The goal is to reveal the natural stone, which will help return the building to its original grandeur.
Additionally, the retail addition will receive a fresh exterior to complement the aesthetic of Draft & Vessel, creating a cohesive look between the two spaces. Davauer also plans to re-open the chapel’s southern-facing windows, which have been covered up, to bring more natural light into the space and enhance its ambiance.
A Rich Historical Backdrop
The buildings at Swan Interiors have a fascinating history, with some structures dating back over a century. While the chapel was believed to be one of the oldest buildings in the village, it turns out that the honor belongs to the house facing Harwood Avenue. Historical records show that this house was first built and appeared in Sanborn Fire Insurance maps from 1894 and 1910.
In the early 1900s, the property became the site of a funeral home operated by Charles Brigden. The chapel was likely constructed in or after 1911 to complement the funeral home, serving the needs of the local community. Brigden’s family had deep roots in the region, with Charles involved in the establishment of the first Wisconsin state undertaker’s license exam and later opening the Wauwatosa funeral home with his son Hobart.
A New Lease on Life
The preservation and transformation of these buildings is a testament to the growing trend of blending historical architecture with modern uses. By repurposing the Swan Interiors site into a wedding and events venue, Davauer is not only preserving a piece of Wauwatosa’s history but also creating a unique space that celebrates the past while catering to contemporary needs.
For couples looking for a wedding venue with character, history, and charm, this newly renovated space in Wauwatosa offers a beautiful fusion of old and new. As the city continues to evolve, the Swan Interiors property will stand as a reminder of the past, while also embracing the future of local celebrations and gatherings.
