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2026 Mayors Design Awards

2026 Mayor's Design Awards

The 29th Annual Mayor's Design Awards were announced on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026, at the UWM School of Architecture & Urban Planning, Marcus Commons.

2026 Mayor's Design Award Winners
Places and Spaces
The following projects have found unique opportunities to contribute to the character of their neighborhoods and have made our streets and public spaces more attractive and inviting by engaging the public, enhancing public infrastructure, and creating meaningful community spaces for all to enjoy.

MKE Rec Wick & Modrzejewski Playfields

4929 W. Vliet St. District 10. 
1020 W. Cleveland Ave. District 12

 

Colorful outdoor playground with climbing structures, slides, and play equipment on a soft surface, surrounded by picnic tables and a shaded pavilion.Aerial view of a park with colorful playgrounds, splash pad, basketball courts, green lawns, walking paths, and a central brick building.

Rogers Street Academy & Nativity Jesuit

Pedestrian Malls

S. 24th St. at W. Rogers St. District 8. 
S. 29th St. at W. Orchard St. District 8

 

A fenced sports field surrounded by trees and residential houses, under a clear blue sky. Pathways lead to the area, with lampposts and greenery.Kids playing soccer on a grassy field. One boy in a gray sweater kicks the ball, while others in jackets watch. The scene is lively and sunny.

Brown Wilbert Vault Co. 'Love You More' Mural

3900 S. 13th St. District 13

 

Vibrant mural on a long wall depicting colorful abstract trees and swirling leaves against a blue sky with clouds, evoking a sense of whimsy and nature.

 

Washington Park Bridge Replacement

4301 W. Lloyd St. District 15 

A small stone bridge with metal railings spans a narrow waterway. Surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky, the scene is calm and inviting.

Southshore Beach Relocation

2900 S. Shore Dr. District 14

 

 

King Drive Streetscape & BRUSH

Mural Initiative

N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. District 6

A vibrant mural depicting a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr., set against colorful backgrounds with white doves and "MLK MKE" text. The scene conveys hope and unity.

Downtown Dog Park 

103 W. Clybourn St. District 4

 

Stone planter with a cut-out metal dog shape on top, surrounded by flowers and greenery. Urban backdrop with buildings and greenery. Calm atmosphere.

 
Vibrant Corridors
These projects are revitalizing the City's commercial corridors by constructing or restoring properties in a pedestrian-friendly way that activates the public realm, creates new housing or employment opportunities, and enhances the vibrancy and diversity of our commercial districts.

Niche Book Bar 

1937 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. District 6.

 

Street view of Niche Book Bar with a teal tiled roof. The entrance is decorated with a gold ribbon and balloon bouquet. A chalkboard sign announces the grand opening.

 

The Allen Building

1944 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. District 6

Modern two-story building with dark brick facade, large windows, and a single light-colored vertical column. A tree and streetlight are in front.

Jackson Soul Food Redefined Express

6137 W. Fond du Lac Ave. District 2
 

Bright red restaurant with a modern design, labeled "Jackson's Soul Food Redefined" at the entrance. Black railing and fresh landscaping in front.

 

Wash-N-Spin Laundromat

4200 W. Capitol Dr. District 7

A beige laundromat building with large windows and a centered door. The word "LAUNDROMAT" is prominently displayed above. Bright daylight sets a clean, welcoming tone.

METZ CPA Milwaukee

3804 W. Vliet St. District 15

 

A historic-style brick building with decorative elements, housing Metz spa. A black SUV is parked in front under a clear blue sky. Calm and inviting.

 

Milwaukee Family Dental

3615 W. Oklahoma Ave. District 11 

Modern dental clinic exterior with stone facade and large windows, under a clear blue sky. A sign reads "Milwaukee Family Dental" with a tooth logo.

. 

The Giving Tree Garage

902 S. 2nd St. District 12

 

A vibrant mural covers a building wall, featuring psychedelic artwork and bold colors. Rustic barrels and a vintage van are under a wooden pergola, creating a retro atmosphere.
Everything Begins at Home
The following projects offer a wide range of new opportunities for City living, neighborhood strengthening, and enhanced residents' quality of life. 

Elevation 1659

1659 N. Jackson St. District 3

 

Aerial view of a modern white and gray apartment building with multiple balconies and a rooftop terrace, surrounded by trees and neighboring structures.

 

Evoni Apartments

615 E. Corcoran Ave. District 4

Four-story modern apartment building with large windows and balconies, gray and beige facade. Sign above entrance reads "EVONI," conveying a contemporary feel.

Vets Place Central 

3330 W. Wells St. District 4
  

A modern, white, three-story building with a blue vertical sign stands amid trees on a sunny day, conveying a professional and welcoming atmosphere.

 

LaMarr Franklin Lofts

3317 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. District 6

A modern, five-story apartment building with a dark facade and large windows under a clear blue sky. A car is parked at the street corner.

The Corliss 

135 E. Becher St. District 14

 

A modern, five-story brick apartment building with large rectangular windows. The entrance features steps and a ramp surrounded by greenery.
 

CDA Scattered Sites Project

40 Homes on 20 Sites. District 15

A two-story house with light gray siding, green trim, and red accents sits under a clear blue sky. A man stands in front, giving a welcoming feel.

Homes MKE

Over 70 Homes Across the City
Districts 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12 & 15
 

Cozy, snow-covered gray house with white trim, large front windows, and a welcoming porch. Tall trees frame the scene under a clear blue sky.
Urbanism Redefined
These projects have made extraordinary contributions to the City's built environment by constructing or restoring places that repair, restore, or enhance the urban fabric; expand opportunities for education or employment, and facilitate social connections, while raising the bar for major development and contemporary architecture in the City.

Associated Bank  Theater Center &

Milwaukee Repertory Theater 

122 E. Wells St. District 4.
 

Exterior of Milwaukee Rep, a modern glass theater building with warm interior lights. Adjacent is a historic brick building. A sign advertises "Come From Away."

 

Urban Ecology Center 

Washington Park Branch

1859 N. 40th St. District  15 

A modern building with angular roofs is situated by a tranquil river, surrounded by lush greenery. Walkways and a parking area are visible.

Marcia P. Coggs Health &

Human Services Center

2130 W. Cherry St. District 15

 

Modern three-story building with a mix of glass and concrete facade, set against a clear blue sky. Trees and people add scale and a lively atmosphere.

 

Martin Luther King Library & Apartments

2901 N. Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr., Drive District 6 

Front view of Milwaukee Public Library, Martin Luther King Branch. Modern exterior with large windows, a sign, a traffic light, and people near the entrance.

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