Interim Plaza Program

Interim plazas transform underutilized streets or areas of streets into public spaces using low-cost materials, such as paint, movable planters, flexible delineator posts, and seating. Interim plazas reconfigure space that might otherwis be underutilized or unnecessary for automobile traffic, or unsafe for people walking. Partnerships with business improvement districts or community groups are vital to the success and sustainability of these spaces. Interim plazas can range in complexity from eliminating a right turn slip lane to completely shutting down a section of a street to through traffic. Interim plazas also serve as low-cost trials to evaluate more permanent changes to streets and right of way. 

The Gathering Places Feasibility Study identified several opportunities to grow Milwaukee's network of gather places; interim plazas were one of those opportunities. Learn about other opportunities: 

Gathering Places Feasibility Study

Guidelines and Application Instructions 

Interim Plaza Program Guidelines

Applications are processed through Accela:

Accela

Grant Program 

The city of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) will provide up to three (3) grants of up to $30,000 each to eligible organizations to create an interim plazas in the public right of way. 

Grantees will be provided one-time financial support to install and program an interim plaza. recipents are responsible for installation, maintenance, and removal of the interim plazas. Interim plazas must be installed within two months of award date. No removal date is required as long as grantee continues to comply with terms and conditions outlined in the Interim Plaza Program Guidelines. 

Eligibility

• Applicant must be or represent an adjacent property owner(s), a nearby business or neighborhood improvement district, or a nearby City-recognized non-profit community-based organization.
• Applicant must be able to provide a W9 during application process; a blank one will be provided if necessary. 
• Applicant must be able to meet the following insurance requirements, as required by the Interim Plaza Program guidelines:
  • During the period in which this revocable privilege is in effect, Permittee shall maintain a policy of General Liability insurance with respect to the right-of-way and the interim plaza in an amount not less than One Million Dollars per occurrence, combined single limit, naming the City as an additional insured. Permittee shall furnish to the City a certificate of insurance evidencing such insurance prior to commencing construction of Permittee’s permitted encroachments, unless otherwise authorized by the City.

Timeline

Learn more in the grant overview:

Interim Plaza Program Grant Overview

Pre-Application 

Informational Sesion

An informational session for the grant program was held on March 30, 2023. A recording of the session and presentation slides are below.

Informational Session Recording

Informational Session Presentation Slides