Author: Staff

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and the Economic Development Division announced the next phase in developing the Park East Corridor at Block 22 on April 23. The Milwaukee County land, which comprises a block between North Water and East Ogden to North Broadway and North Milwaukee, will be available to developers through a request for proposal (RFP). Block 22 is the last publicly-controlled land in the Park East Corridor, which has attracted more than $1 billion in investment and $2 billion in economic impact in recent years. Since County Executive Chris Abele came to office in 2011, he has...

Milwaukee Film will enter its second phase of restoration and upgrades at Milwaukee’s historic Oriental Theatre on May 15. These updates, which will serve to elevate the customer experience, include a new concession stand, improved sound quality, fire-safety upgrades, and new seats in the westernmost theater. “As magnificent as the Oriental Theatre is now, we know there is still work to be done to make it a world-class venue,” said Jonathan Jackson, CEO and artistic director for Milwaukee Film. “Like all our work at the theater, these upgrades will preserve and enhance the historic beauty of this space, while...

For the first in Wisconsin history, the state issued a proclamation that made April Sikh Awareness & Appreciation Month. Governor Tony Evers honored the Sikh community of Wisconsin on April 30 by personally delivering the proclamation to members of the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek. “The courage, strength and resilience of the Oak Creek Sikh community represents the very best of who we are,” said Governor Evers. “Sikhs are an integral part of the Wisconsin fabric, and it’s an honor to celebrate Vaisakhi and recognize the vital contributions that Sikhs make across our state.” The Oak Creek...

Owners of southwest Wisconsin’s specialty coffee roaster announced that after 14 years it will change the company name, citing appropriation as the reason. TJ Semanchin and Caleb Nicholes released a statement on April 17 about their decision. Kickapoo Coffee also co-own and operate three cafes across the state, in Milwaukee, Viroqua, and Bayfield, and will continue to operate under the name Kickapoo Coffee until January of 2020. “When Kickapoo Coffee was founded in 2005, we chose the name with the intention of honoring the place where our business has its roots: the Kickapoo River Valley,” Semanchin explained, “But Kickapoo...

The City of Wauwatosa is seeking submissions from artists for its summer project, a new corridor of outdoor murals clustered around the East Tosa area near North Avenue and 68th and 69th Streets. There will be up to six new murals installed in a tightly concentrated area when artists are finished installing in July. The grouping of walls will be within walking distance of each other, so visitors can explore the city, discover nearby businesses, and pose with the murals. Funding for the work is coming for by Wauwatosa’s Tourism Commission, and it is not limited to local artists....

Joe Bartolotta, co-owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants, passed away “peacefully in his sleep with a smile on his face” on April 22 at the age of 60. Bartolotta was beloved by the Milwaukee community for his hospitality heart, generosity, and desire to help people. In 1993, he and brother Paul started their first restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta, in Wauwatosa. The restaurant group now operates 15 restaurants, including Harbor House, Lake Park Bistro, and Pizzeria Piccola. After dealing with the affects of diabetes for three decades, in February 2013 Bartolotta had a successful kidney transplant. He spoke often about the transformative...