Commercial Corridor
Revitalization of Bronzeville’s key commercial corridor (along North Avenue between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and 7th Street) includes public improvements, such as new roads and streetscaping, private development of vacant land and rehabilitation of some of the existing commercial buildings.
The goals are to create a visual identity for the Bronzeville District, and to attract new businesses and customers to the area.
Public Improvements Bronzeville Intersection
Streetscaping - The City will invest up to $1.2million on streetscape enhancements to add visual appeal to the District, and to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment. Improvements may include greening of public spaces, decorative crosswalks, landscaping, pedestrian-friendly lighting and other street amenities.
- Click the "Play" button on the right to view an artist's rendering of the possibilities for Bronzeville. Rendering created by Community Design Solutions, UWM
- View 2007 visioning session results
Bronzeville Gateway Signage and Banners - Branding of the Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District may include signage and banners. These elements will be designed to attract businesses and services to the area.
|
3D-Concept created by
Community Design Solutions, UWM |
Commercial Building Revitalization
The Bronzeville redevelopment plan calls for investing into the revitalization of existing commercial properties to attract additional development, and to enhance the area’s image as an entertainment and cultural district. The City conducted a commercial property inventory analysis to determine the potential redevelopment of existing properties.
To address redevelopment, facade workshops will be conducted to help commercial property owners and businesses tap into the resources available to update and enhance their storefronts. Approximately $1 million in business development grants and loans are available for businesses to locate into the District.
New Construction
The City of Milwaukee, through the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM), has begun to acquire properties designated as blighted within the Bronzeville Redevelopment area, including vacant land and buildings. Some of the buildings will be renovated while others have been demolished in an effort to create catalytic development sites. The City's goal is to partner with private parties to create development projects in the area. Projects may include uses such as retail, residential, entertainment venues, or restaurants, to name a few.
A market study conducted by CH2M Hill shows there is demand in the area for entertainment venues, retail shops, and restaurants.
Completed Construction Projects
Garfield 502, 502 West Garfield Avenue - Garfield 502 is a staple of entertainment in the Bronzeville District. Garfield 502 features fast casual dining and music oriented to Blues and R&B music lovers.
New Development Projects (Planned)
Diversified Development Group (DDG) expressed interest in building a mixed used project at the corner of 7th and North Avenue. The proposed project may include retail and entertainment uses on the ground floor, with residential above. An adjoining parking structure is planned to provide ample parking for visitors of the District.
Completed Revitalization Projects
Milwaukee Urban League’s Headquarters, 435 W. North Avenue - The renovated building houses the Milwaukee Urban League and nationally recognized Urban Entrepreneurship Partnership (UEP.) UEP helps minority entrepreneurs start and maintain businesses. Milwaukee is one of only six cities in the nation to participate in this initiative.
Garfield SchoolPlanned Revitalization Projects
Former Garfield Elementary School, 2214 N. 4th Street - The former Garfield Avenue School was identified in the Bronzeville redevelopment plan for adaptive reuse into a cultural center with various uses that may include gallery space, a lecture hall, live/work spaces for artists, offices, and performance or event space. Milwaukee Public Schools and the City of Milwaukee are currently considering alternatives for the adaptive reuse of this building.