Community Design Solutions (CDS) worked with the Commercial
Corridors Institute to develop visioning concepts for several facades
and vacant or underutilized parcels. The project area was defined as
Center Street – 26th Street to 29th Street, and Fond du Lac Avenue –
Hickory Street to Hadley Street.

Background research included population data, age groups, and
other census-related data; vacancies; traffic counts and public
transportation; and neighborhood assets. CDS mapped the location
of the three adjacent BID districts, identified streetscaping issues
for pedestrian safety, and the neighborhood Walk Scores of the
surrounding areas.

Following the analysis, an input meeting was held at the Business
Resource Innovation Center (BRIC) with the client group. Discussion
helped foster design ideas for the sites and input on what is feasible
for this area of Milwaukee.

Of the seven identified sites, two are proposed as park enhancements,
two as facade enhancements to existing buildings, and three were
identified for a new development.