Wisconsin Avenue in Downtown Milwaukee has become a bit of a punching bag. As the main artery through the state’s biggest city, it should be much "nicer" than it is. I agree. Reality is, though, that it’s not as bad as many proclaim it to be. And, groups like Milwaukee Downtown, East Town, Westown and – of course – the City have improved the avenue in the past several years.
But daily focus on design matters and a little bit more attention to details along the Avenue will help. To this end, ART Milwaukee, Newaukee and other civic groups want to continue to transform how people perceive Wisconsin Avenue. And there’s a $50,000 fund to help bring your awesome ideas to life.
That’s right. Stop complaining and be a part of the solution.
You have ideas, and Milwaukee wants them. And even if your idea isn’t a winning one ART Milwaukee and Newaukee will help you find a team of local artists that can make your vision become a reality.
So what does a good placemaking idea for Wisconsin Avenue involve?
Here are a few of our thoughts from Jeremy Fojut, one of the architects of the initiative.
- Ideas for more creative bike racks
- Light and sound activations of skywalks and/or on the street
- Creative ideas to activate alleys
- New bus stop designs
- More walkable sidewalks and crosswalks
- Parking spot parklets
- Space activation through performing arts
- New trash receptacle that encourage usage
- Parking lots into parks
- Art installations that incorporate the trees, flower pots, public space, medians, street signage
- Art that encourages safety
- Programming that generates foot traffic with a focus on local business
- Art installations that create connections from crossing streets that lead you to Wisconsin Avenue
- Ideas that involved social furniture on the avenue
- Ideas that activate space
- Ideas encourage sense of place
- Ideas that connect the avenue to other places
When you submit your idea think about this question: "How can we make Wisconsin Avenue feel more like home?" Up to four of the best ideas submitted will receive funding and support to come to life along the avenue.
Creational Trails: A Placemaking Experience in Milwaukee is a project by the Greater Milwaukee Committee, ART Milwaukee and beINtween.
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.
