Silk Exotic wins legal battle, still working to open club in downtown Milw.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Will the third time be the charm? A Milwaukee strip club is trying again to open in downtown Milwaukee, after it was denied twice in the past. However, those involved with the club are hopeful a recent court victory will help bolster support.
At the corner of Old World Third and Wisconsin Avenue, it is relatively quiet.
"It's just kind of a daytime place. We just need to connect some of the dots here and get businesses rolling," the building's owner, David Weir said.
Silk Exotic would like to open a strip club in the area, and a restaurant and tavern license application was recently filed with the city. Additionally, there is a sign in the building's window, listing the proposal.
City leaders denied the club from opening back in 2010 and 2012. Club owners sued the city, and recently won part of that lawsuit.
Now, they're trying again.
"Maybe the city will be in a mood to listen to wiser heads," Silk Attorney Jeff Scott Olson said.
The license must be approved by the Common Council.
Silk's lawyers have offered to drop any damages in exchange for the permit.
"They'd save the city from millions of dollars of damages exposure," Olson said.
Weir, the building's owner, says it is a smart move.
"It's the only industry that's working and I think this would be a shot in the arm," Weir said.
Others who work in the area have a different perspective.
"It might bring a different type of clientele that I don't really want to pass by and be around," Wendy Soto said.
The Common Council will ultimately decide whether to grant a permit. The owners of the club want to open by January 1st.