Staff, Author at Milwaukee Independent

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...

Construction Sunday: Milwaukee’s church renaissance and the process of renovation at Summerfield

Posted by Staff | May 9, 2017 |

In recent years, many historic Milwaukee churches have undergone major renovations. Not so much to repair decades of neglect, but to remove renovations made decades ago when the city’s population was enthralled with the idea of modernization.

Audio: Mercy Housing celebrates apartment grand opening

Posted by Staff | May 8, 2017 |

“Every one of us wants to go home tonight to a place where we can feel that we can be ourselves. That’s a natural, to want a home where you can feel as though you are valued and that you are respected.” – Mayor Tom Barrett, City of Milwaukee Mercy Housing Lakefront built the affordable rental community, located at the intersection of North Farwell and Thomas Street. The Greenwich Park Apartments are a two phase development that will eventually produce 100 rental units. It will offer affordable housing to the local workforce, within walking distance to nearby businesses. After...

Historical Society exhibit to celebrate Summerfest 50th

Posted by Staff | May 4, 2017 |

In honor of Summerfest’s 50th edition, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. will feature a retrospective of Summerfest’s history, presented in partnership with the Milwaukee County Historical Society. After 50 years of bringing the Milwaukee community and beyond together, Summerfest has a proud story to tell. The astonishing line-up of artists and musicians is a huge part of it, but the festival’s history also embodies community tradition and a strong passion for bringing people together to celebrate summer. The exhibit will illustrate decades of festival highlights through large graphic panels, interactive components, and displays of original posters, banners and vintage memorabilia....