Our Story: The Building That Became Ember Social
At Ember Social, we don’t just operate inside a historic building, we’re proud to be part of its story.
Our building, known to many as the Heinz 57 building in Grafton, Wisconsin, dates all the way back to 1868, when it was first constructed as a blacksmith shop. Long before it became a modern event venue just outside of Milwaukee, it served as a place where the community gathered, worked, and relied on skilled craftsmanship to keep everyday life moving.
As the world evolved, so did the building. In the early 1900s, it became Tillman Bros Garage, where early automobiles like Brisco touring cars were sold and repaired. It was part of a major shift, from horses to cars, and the building remained at the center of that change.
By the 1950s, it had transformed again into Grafton Truck Line, operated by the Thomas family, continuing its legacy of supporting transportation and industry. Then in 1963, the building entered one of its most well-known eras when the Reich family opened Heinz 57 Auto Shop, a name that would stick for decades and become part of local Grafton history.
During this time, the building changed hands when Heinz was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. It became home to Merle Wuenne Plumbing, before returning to the Reich family once Heinz came back. Each chapter reflects not just ownership, but resilience, adaptability, and deep ties to the community.
In November 2020, the building experienced a devastating fire that left it severely damaged. For a time, it sat empty, its future uncertain.
In 2023, our owners, amy and nick fallucca, purchased the building with a vision: to honor its history while creating something new for the community. Through careful restoration, we preserved the character of the space while transforming it into a modern setting for gatherings and celebrations.
That vision became a reality on October 24, 2024, when Ember Social officially opened.
Today, Ember Social is a historic event venue in Grafton, Wisconsin, designed for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. But what truly sets us apart is that the space itself carries meaning. The same walls that once held a blacksmith shop and auto repair business now hold new memories, new milestones, and new stories.
We’re often asked what makes Ember Social different. The answer is simple: when you host an event here, you’re not just choosing a space, you’re becoming part of a story that began over 150 years ago and continues to grow with every event we host.
If you’re looking for a unique event space near Milwaukee, we’d love to be part of your story next.
