The Orbit
Milwaukee
Summary
The Orbit operated from February 1999 to August 2003 at 739 S. 2nd Street, in an early-1900s building that had previously been a pharmacy and later an organ-piper nightclub with hand-painted murals. Two men, known as Michael and Russell, took over the fire-damaged space and opened the gay bar, adding a star-and-planet ceiling, a dance floor, and a revived vintage pink elephant ride near the entrance.
The Orbit was a popular stop before heading to La Cage on weekend nights and was remembered for its purple exterior, science-fiction murals, live music, and elaborate theme parties. Failed negotiations to buy the building contributed to its closing in 2003.