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Home > BizTimes Daily > Archives > October 16, 2009
Zilber unveils ambitious plans to redevelop Milwaukee neighborhoods
Published October 16, 2009 - BizTimes Daily
The Zilber Neighborhood Initiative, a $50 million project by Zilber Ltd. founder Joseph Zilber to improve neighborhoods in the city of Milwaukee, today announced its quality-of-life plans for the first two neighborhoods in the project: Lindsay Heights and Clarke Square.
"Joe really sees the possibility for the future, which holds very prosperous neighborhoods for the city of Milwaukee," said Susan Lloyd, executive director of the Zilber Family Foundation Inc.
The projects planned for Clarke Square (bounded by Pierce Street, South 16th Street, Forest Home Avenue and Layton Boulevard) include:
- A $6 million addition to Longfellow School to provide education and recreation services to residents. The project will be done in conjunction with Journey House, a community organization, which has raised $2.75 million in private funding for the project.
- Several improvements to Mitchell Park, including the installation of the former Nitschke Field synthetic turf donated by the Green Bay Packers to create a full-size football field at the park. Journey House will raise $450,000 to install and maintain the field. In addition a multipurpose sports complex (including a large gymnasium) and a skateboard park are planned for the park. Also, a comprehensive study will be done on how to design the park.
- Bicycle lanes and walking paths will be created in the neighborhood.
- Clarke Square Park will be revitalized.
- Milwaukee Christian Center plans to build a 48-unit senior housing complex. In addition, the Milwaukee Christian Center Youth Build program will build three new Energy Star homes to provide affordable housing opportunities for residents.
- Hmong American Peace Academy plans to expand its campus from K-6 to K-12.
- Neighborhood gateway markers will be installed.
- The creation of a business improvement district along Cesar Chavez Drive.
The projects planned for Lindsay Heights (bounded by I-43, Center Street, North 20th Street and Walnut Street) include:
- A mixed-use development planned for the former Alsco commercial laundry service site at 1003 W. North Ave.
- Conversion of 24 of the 48 rental units owned by the Inner City Redevelopment Corp. near the former Lee School to owner occupied units.
- Expansion of the Bread of Health Free Health Clinic.
- A new Center of Neighborhood Innovation building that will house a business incubator, after school programs and adult training.
- Addition of a commercial kitchen to Coffee Makes You Black.
- Redevelopment of the Bloomberg Ice Cream building.
- Expansion of the open air Fondy Market.
- Mixed-use development at Center and 16th streets with 37 apartments.
- A new restaurant that will provide culinary training.
- Redevelopment of Johnsons Park.
- Renovation of the Running Rebels building, a century-old former residence.
- A senior co-operative housing development.
- Home renovations.
Zilber is hoping that his contributions for the neighborhood improvement initiative will attract contributions from others.
"To have everything, one must give everything," Zilber said in a pre-recorded video filmed at his Hawaii home. "That's what I'm doing, and I hope others will join me."
