The Gimbel's parking pavilion, 555 N. Plankinton Ave., was built in 1947. The art moderne-style building, designed by V.K. Boynton, has always been one of my favorites. And, I think that it needs a tenant. A great tenant -- a Kopp's or other destination-type diner, maybe even a cool retailer. Who knows? I just know that it's too nice of a building to sit vacant.
It's an attractive, poured concrete, historic building that's full of potential. It's last tenant, Irwin Union Bank, closed on March 12.
According to bizjournals.com, a spokesman for Indiana-based Irwin Union said bank executives decided to close the office due to difficulties recruiting and retaining executive talent.
My wife suggested recently that if Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn really wants to move the 1st District police station that this could be an option. Better yet, she thought the old Greyhound Station would really work. I agree.
Anyway, what are your thoughts for a good use for this attractive Downtown building?
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.
