For her vision as a designer and planner and her passion as an educator in the School of Architecture & Urban Planning, urban planning professor Carolyn Esswein has been named a finalist for the 2019 Northern Trust Navigator Award, administered by the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation.
Now in their 20th year, the MANDI awards highlight projects that promote growth and renewal in low to moderate income neighborhoods in the city of Milwaukee. Esswein’s nomination is a nod to her 25 years of experience and impact as director of the School of Architecture & Urban Planning’s Community Design Solutions; her supervision of studio projects for advanced architecture and urban planning students; and her portfolio as a planning consultant on numerous projects, including the Lindsay Heights Revitalization Plan that resulted in more than 165 new homes and $70 million invested.
Architecture and urban planning students in Community Design Solutions assist communities, agencies, civic groups and campuses throughout Wisconsin. The design center provides detailed design and planning services to underserved communities and agencies in Milwaukee. Under Esswein’s supervision, students in CDS have contributed to high profile projects like Pete’s Fruit Market in Bronzeville and redevelopment of the vacant Garfield School site.
Esswein and Susan Lloyd of the Zilber Family Foundation are the two finalists for the Northern Trust Navigator Award. MANDI membership will name the winner in April.
“I’m honored to be recognized with Susan Lloyd as she retires from the foundation and leaves a great legacy of impact,” Esswein said. “This nomination also serves as meaningful acknowledgement that the work our Community Design Solutions students do sets them on the path to becoming thoughtful architects and community planners who are shaping the future of Milwaukee.”
