When I walked by and through the area underneath the expressway just across from the Milwaukee Public Market this past weekend, I couldn't help but notice the garbage, dirt and general lack of care for this piece of Downtown land that's just off the Milwaukee Riverwalk.
Sure this space is dark and dreary, but I think that something can be done to make it more attractive.
There's a bigger point here too.
Underused and non-developed spaces in Downtown Milwaukee hurt its overall appeal. As a whole, Milwaukee's Downtown is clean, safe and very friendly yet I believe it can take better advantage of its "bad spots" by cleaning them up, adding public art or even programming them with events.
How? Well, with this under the freeway space in particular, how about leveraging the Public Market and setting up an urban flower market in the summer months? Flowers underneath a freeway. That adds life and color. Hat tip here to my wife, this was her idea. And a great one at that.
Other easy ways to liven up dark spaces in Downtown?
-Sandwich boards that promote local businesses.
-Sod and grass. Think of what parts of the Park East could look like if grass was growing there?
-Tables and chairs. Adding seating to under used areas make them usable and appealing.
-Interactive uses. Chalk boards and chalk. Wiffle bats and balls that passers by can use. Make spaces fun.
-Public art.
I'm no expert, just a passionate resident with a few ideas. But you gotta agree that the ways to spice up dreary areas are countless, and many are very inexpensive. Good use of public space has benefits for everyone.
Do you have other ideas on how to better use Downtown's "dark spots?" Use the talk back feature and share.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
