Staff, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Map: A Walk along the Kinnickinnic River

Posted by Staff | May 24, 2017 |

Milwaukee County’s Pulaski Park is expected to undergo major renovation in spring 2018, when the Sewerage District removes the concrete lining along its stretch of the Kinnickinnic River. Over the past few years, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) has been exploring options for rehabilitating the Kinnickinnic (KK) River for improved flood management and public safety, in addition to being a catalyst for revitalizing the adjacent neighborhoods. The flood management plan includes removal of more than 6 miles of a concrete channel that lines the river, if the project is authorized. The river’s restoration is the cornerstone of the...

Map: Installations of Art along Milwaukee’s Main Street

Posted by Staff | May 18, 2017 |

Sculpture Milwaukee, a one-of-a-kind urban art experience in downtown Milwaukee, has begun to alter Wisconsin Avenue’s landscape with a new creative project. Brought to life by the vision of Steve Marcus, when the installation is complete it will feature 22 sculptures by renowned artists from around the world, including three from Milwaukee. Each piece has been engineered for its location by the City of Milwaukee and Terra Engineering & Construction. This map details the art, specifications, and locations of the work along Wisconsin Avenue. Sculpture Milwaukee will be on view June 1 through October 22. 2017 Sculptures & Corresponding...

City founders part of utility box art on Wisconsin Avenue

Posted by Staff | May 18, 2017 |

Wisconsin Avenue’s artist in residence, Mauricio Ramirez, began a utility box mural project in downtown Milwaukee on May 16. Ramirez started his visual transformation of 10 utility boxes at the project’s first location, 200 E. Wisconsin Avenue. The artistic theme for that location along Wisconsin Avenue was centered on two of the city’s founding fathers, Solomon Juneau and Byron Kilbourn, and their contentious Milwaukee Bridge War of 1845. The remaining nine boxes will continue to highlight Wisconsin Avenue’s rich history of commerce, diversity of architecture and people, and bright future yet ahead for the passage through the heart of...

By the Numbers: Soldiers Home Project

Posted by Staff | May 17, 2017 |

The Milwaukee VA Soldiers Home Historic District (Soldiers Home) on the grounds of the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center is a National Historic Landmark District, and one of Milwaukee’s most important historic assets. As part of an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), The Alexander Company and the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee are leading a team that has been chosen by the VA to restore and rehabilitate six of the District’s buildings. Under the proposal, the buildings will be renovated to include a total of 101 supportive housing...

Bud Selig shares his love for history and baseball at MCHS Awards

Posted by Staff | May 15, 2017 |

The Milwaukee County Historical Society (MCHS) presented Allan H. “Bud” Selig with the Witness to History Award at its 64th Annual Awards Dinner on May 9. Held at the Pfister Hotel, Selig was featured with many others who have made longstanding contributions to Milwaukee. The fundraising event held at the Pfister Hotel recognized Selig along with individuals and organizations that have played a significant role in preserving Milwaukee history. Milwaukee companies, organizations, and institutions were also celebrated for their milestone anniversaries. Selig’s Witness to History honor was awarded because of his work and lifetime commitment in shaping the community’s...

Mayor Barrett invites Milwaukee to VA’s 150th birthday

Posted by Staff | May 15, 2017 |

The hallowed grounds of the Milwaukee VA Medical Center can trace its roots back to one of the original birthplaces of the modern-day Department of Veterans Affairs. 2017 kicked off a year-long 150th anniversary celebration, with an all day Birthday event on June 3. The VA campus will feature re-enactors, musical entertainment, tours of the grounds and select buildings, and a look at a history of care that spans 15 decades. “I like to tell people, if the walls of our many buildings on these grounds could talk, the magnificent stories they would tell,” said Dean Schwaller, Historical District...