Connecting Valley businesses with nearby talent
On June 18, Menomonee Valley Partners (MVP) and Layton Boulevard West Neighbors (LBWN) collaborated on a Neighborhood Job Recruitment event to connect Valley companies who are hiring with nearby residents who are seeking employment.
Hundreds of family-supporting jobs are within a 5-10 minute walk/drive from neighborhoods south of the Valley. MVP and LBWN partnered on a new model of a job fair, bringing the job fair and job opportunities directly to the residents in and near the Silver City neighborhood at 5Wise Workshop (3524 W National Ave).
Job seekers were invited to drop-in, apply on the spot, and in some cases interview then and there. Translation services were also available.
Thank you to Charter Wire LLC, Employ Milwaukee, Ingeteam, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Professional Placement Services, and Rishi Tea for joining us and speaking with great candidates from neighborhoods surrounding the Valley!
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino plans opening of new hotel tower in mid-August
Urban Manufacturing Alliance hosted national conference in Milwaukee, co-hosted by Menomonee Valley Partners
From June 5 – 7, Milwaukee hosted the Urban Manufacturing Alliance’s (UMA) national gathering. The event brought more than 100 civic leaders, manufacturers, and workforce and real estate practitioners to Milwaukee to discuss issues, including workforce development, youth engagement, innovative financing, and land use policy and redevelopment.
Boat Tour Showcases Milwaukee Industry—Both Past and Present
Among Chicago's must-see attractions for visitors are its riverboat tours that provide a different perspective on that city's most famous downtown architectural gems.
Around 70 Milwaukee visitors enjoyed a similar experience in our city recently — but the focus was more about diamonds in the rough.
This boat tour through the Menomonee Valley and Harbor District highlighted the city's industrial heritage, as well as its revival — kicking off the Urban Manufacturing Alliance’s national conference in Milwaukee.
2018 Annual Report: A Destination for All
Over the last two decades, the Menomonee River Valley has experienced significant change and revitalization, once again becoming a place where people come to work, producing countless products that touch residents through Milwaukee and the world. As we look at this last year, the Valley has continued to emerge as a destination for all—with more and more family-supporting jobs, entertainment destinations, connections with students, and opportunities to explore nature in an urban context.
Learn more about all the ways that the Valley attracted people in the last year!
A day in the Menomonee River Valley
Zimmerman plans to purchase Milwaukee Gas Light Company property
Zimmerman Architectural Studios plans to purchase their building and the rest of the former Milwaukee Gas Light Company property, also home to City Lights Brewing Company and Four Seasons Skate Park of Milwaukee. Zimmerman has long been a great partner in the Valley and we look forward to welcoming them as property owners!
Read more here:
Zimmerman Architectural to buy Milwaukee HQ, neighboring City Lights property (Milwaukee Business Journal)
Menomonee Valley buildings, including City Lights Brewing, being sold to Zimmerman Architectural Studios (Journal Sentinel)
New Sculptures Honor Milwaukee Road Railway Workers
Rain Barrel Murals
In 2018, local Artists Jenny Anderson and Audrey Moore lead community art programming with the Young Scientists Club at the Urban Ecology Center in the Menomonee River Valley. Together they would walk the trails in Three Bridges Park, identify native plants and animals, and create art inspired by nature. The Young Scientists, ages 5-12, had the opportunity to create sun prints using plants and photosensitive paper, make their own ink and chalk from natural pigments, and reimagine insects and animals. The students artwork was scanned and digitally collaged to create the designs on the rain barrels.
These 1,100 gallon rain barrels were the first in the city to capture rainwater from a bridge, diverting unfiltered stormwater from the city’s combined sewer system. The rain barrels collect water for the new plantings in the park. When the plants mature, they naturally filter stormwater and require little watering which ultimately avoids wasting potable water through traditional watering systems. This is a successful demonstration project for green infrastructure, but the rain barrels went unnoticed until their art makeover.
This art project provided an educational opportunity for youth to learn about the history of the rain barrels and their ecological impact, while also contributing to long-lasting, visible art in the Menomonee Valley Community Park. The art draws attention to the rain barrels and reminds the community of this local effort to protect our rivers and Lake Michigan. A sign will be installed on the Hank Aaron State Trail nearby so trail users can learn about the environmental impact.
“The arts are an incredible way to build community,” said John Kowalczyk, Artists Working in Education. “We hope that through this project, we inspire residents from all over the city to explore the Menomonee River Valley and celebrate the beauty of nature right here in our neighborhood. It was wonderful to see the young scientists’ curiosity peak when creating art using natural materials and scientific processes”
The art programming was a partnership between Artists Working in Education and Menomonee Valley Partners. It was funded by the City of Milwaukee Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (NIDC) and We Energies Foundation.
The rain barrel demonstration project were made possible by a partnership between: City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Fund for Lake Michigan, Marek Landscaping, Menomonee Valley Partners, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), and The Sigma Group.
Controlled burn in the Menomonee River Valley
The Urban Ecology Center conducted a prescribed burn in Three Bridges Park with Kettle Moraine Land Stewards, in coordination with the Milwaukee Fire Department, to burn an 8.2 acre controlled area of Three Bridges Park. Prescribed burns are a very beneficial land management practice that promotes native vegetation growth, kills unwanted woody vegetation in the prairie, and also burns off old plant growth to make way for new plant growth.
Full week of programs brings Milwaukee youth to the Valley
A New Art Gallery Opens in the Valley
Owners of Guardian Fine Arts Services, Jan Serr and John Shannon, have opened a private museum to showcase their private selection in a unique space. The Warehouse is a 4,000 square foot gallery displaying curated exhibits of the thousands of artworks Shannon and his wife, Serr, have collected over the years.
“We see The Warehouse as a new arts hub for Milwaukee and Wisconsin,” Shannon said. “We look forward to hosting shows from our collection and of works of significant artists, as well as hold events that will benefit the arts community and arts lovers.”
The Warehouse is free to view and open by appointment. The inaugural exihibit, “Concentrations,” features 70 artworks ranging from monotypes to photographs to contemporary craft from 53 artists, including Jim Dine, Mary Frank, David Hockney, Alex Katz, Tsukioka Kogyo, Henri Matisse, Keith Haring, Sally Mann, and Robert Henri. The exhibit runs through Feb. 8, 2019.
More coverage at:
New art gallery opens in Menomonee Valley design district (BizTimes Milwaukee), 2.04.19
New Warehouse art museum names curator (OnMilwaukee), 2.04.19
3,600 artworks. No more room in the house. What to do? Create a private museum in Milwaukee (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel), 1.19.19
Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley RiverWalk will have a natural feel, with less development -- and room for bikes
Read more here:
Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley RiverWalk will have a natural feel, with less development -- and room for bikes, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2.2.19
A Riverwalk for Menomonee Valley (Urban Milwaukee), 2.04.19
Land and Space: Menomonee Valley RiverWalk will bring a natural touch, room for bikes (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel), 1.31.19
2018 Valley Week showcases why Valley is a great place to visit and a great place to work
The 2018 Valley Week invited people to explore and experience Milwaukee's Menomonee River Valley at 11 events in just one week. From a beer run, happy hour river, job fair, and so much more, Valley Week showcases the Valley as a great place to visit and a great place to work!
From September 22 to 29, 2018, Menomonee Valley Partners and Valley businesses hosted experiences and events to invite the community to explore and discover the Valley.
Valley Week attracted nature lovers, history enthusiasts, job seekers, and those looking for a unique experience to discover the Valley. More than 700 people attended events, more than 1,050 participated in a Valley Week special promotion, and tens of thousands were reached through promotions and PR.
Menomonee Valley Partners reveals a revitalized brand for the revitalized Menomonee River Valley
The Valley has changed a lot since 1999…
…and now our look has too!
For almost 20 years, MVP and friends of the Valley have helped to transform the Menomonee River Valley from Wisconsin’s most visible eyesore to a national model in economic development and environmental sustainability. Together, we have created a great place for businesses, attracted family-supporting jobs, and provided opportunities to enjoy Valley attractions, green spaces, and trails.
Since the Menomonee River Valley has changed so much in the past 19 years, we decided it was time to change our look, too. We are excited to share a new logo and website for Menomonee Valley Partners and the Valley!
“ I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the tremendous improvements the Valley has undergone in recent years,” said Bill Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum and Menomonee Valley Partners board member. “ This new brand captures the dedication and hard work that has made the Valley a destination for companies, families and tourists alike.”
A New Look
The new logo conveys where the Valley is today. The bright colors represent the vibrancy of the Valley with its thriving businesses, destinations, parks and trails. The image is also symbolic of the Valley’s role in bridging Milwaukee’s rich history to its dynamic future, bridging the city to nature, and bridging neighbors to each other.
A New Home Online
The new website, TheValleyMKE.org, celebrates the Valley’s entertainment and recreation destinations as well as the diversity of companies and job opportunities in the Menomonee River Valley . Visitors can explore all that’s happening at TheValleyMKE.org .
The new website features:
Upcoming events and the Valley's place in history...
Destinations to eat, drink, play, and tour...
Direct links to job opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and business resources...
All about Menomonee Valley Partners, Business Improvement District #26, and the projects and initiatives underway to fulfill the Valley's full potential...
The Menomonee River Valley is a vibrant location — a great place to work and a great place to visit . Our new look reflects that—even as we continue to work to make the Valley an even more vibrant and productive place.
Update Our Email Addresses
Our emails have updated with our new look, please update your records.
Catrina Crane, Catrina@TheValleyMKE.org
Ben Hoekstra, Ben@TheValleyMKE.org
Michelle Kramer, Michelle@TheValleyMKE.org
Corey Zetts, Corey@TheValleyMKE.org
Menomonee Valley Partners is a nonprofit organization formed in 1999 with a mission to revitalize and sustain the Menomonee River Valley as a thriving urban district that advances economical, ecological, and social equity for the benefit of the greater Milwaukee community. Since then, 51 companies have moved to or expanded in the Valley, more than 5,200 jobs have been created, 60 acres of parks and trails have been established, and 10 million people visit the Valley’s recreation and entertainment destinations each year.
Last two parcels sold in the Menomonee Valley Industrial Center
The last two parcels at the city-owned Menomonee Valley Industrial Center in Milwaukee are being sold — filling the business park 15 years after its development efforts began.
Before - Vacant Milwaukee Road Shops
Present Day - Nationally recognized sustainable business park
Splat!dpi is currently located on Emmber Lane and will expand in a 2 acre parcel in the Menomonee Valley Industrial Center. Splat is a specialty commercial printer.
Tom Mulhaney, of Badger Railing, has been in the Menomonee Valley since 1988, so he’s seen the valley change over the years. His old office used to look over what is now the Marquette playing fields. And in the morning, he would sometimes see cows wandering through and grazing, having escaped from the stockyards at a nearby slaughterhouse. The company moved to the Menomonee Valley Industrial Center in 2007.
Menomonee Valley Partners is thrilled that these two great Valley companies have chosen to grow in place in the Valley.
Eleven businesses operate in the 60-acre industrial center with more than 1,400 employees.
More coverage at:
- ‘An urban success:’ Final 2 parcels in Menomonee Valley sold to companies looking to expand (Fox6Now), 8.22.18
- Badger Railing, Splat to buy last Menomonee Valley business park sites (Milwaukee Business Journal), 8.22.18
- Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley Industrial Center sells last business park lots (Journal Sentinel), 8.22.18
- More Development In Menomonee Valley (Urban Milwaukee), 8.23.18
Politico Magazine: How Milwaukee Shook Off the Rust
Check out the article on POLITICO Magazine and the accompanying photo essay.
While many cities have sought to repurpose their old industrial zones into hip condos, restaurants or commercial lofts for tech companies—or simply knock them down—Milwaukee has invested in resurrecting its own, with intense planning, new infrastructure and exacting design standards. In the process, a coalition of public officials, community activists and manufacturers have created a model for the 21st century industrial park, where manufacturing, recreation and environmentally-friendly engineered landscapes coexist. Milwaukee is at work applying the lessons learned in the Menomonee Valley to the nearby port district and in the 30th Street industrial corridor several miles to the north.
Searching for Greener Grass in Milwaukee (Politico Magazine)
“Nothing illustrates the revitalization of Milwaukee like Three Bridges Park.” This photo essay accompanying the above Politico article includes striking images of the park and the Urban Ecology Center’s environmental education programs.
Fine furniture showroom moving to St. Paul Ave
Bachman Furniture to open in the W. St. Paul Avenue Design and Décor Showroom District
Bachman Furniture Gallery, a 98 year old, third-generation, family-owned furniture and design showroom, will showcase their unique, European designs in a 100-year-old beautifully restored historic building at 1741 West St. Paul Avenue. Bachman’s purchased the 60,000 square foot building from LCM Funds Real Estate, which plans to recruit a complementary business in the adjacent building.
“Our business is design. I have never really felt like we are a big box type of furniture store,” said Joe Bachman, president and owner of Bachman Furniture. Bachman sees his furniture store as a place for "different and unique furniture you just can't get anywhere else." The move to a showroom in the new St. Paul Avenue Design District better reflects Bachman's vision for the business.
The new location will still contain the bold European designs customers are looking for, but in a more convenient location along I-94. Bachman's new location has easy freeway access and a convenient free parking lot, and is only 10 minutes away from their current location. Bachman states this new location will allow them to more conveniently serve their ever-increasing customer base, with a much larger complimentary custom design center and expanded shop-at-home services.
Bachman Furniture joins BBC Lighting, Brass Light Gallery, Guardian Fine Art Services, House of Stone, ProStar Surfaces, and Riverview Antiques, all established design and décor destinations on St. Paul Avenue. Bachman’s building is one of 22 buildings part of the St. Paul Avenue Industrial Historic District, listed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places.
“Bachman’s move to St. Paul Avenue firmly establishes the district as a design destination in our region for lighting, countertops, flooring, antiques, and now fine furniture,” said Corey Zetts, Executive Director of Menomonee Valley Partners.
Bachman’s expects renovations to be completed by late 2018.
Articles on Bachman Furniture:
Bachman Furniture relocating to 100-year-old Menomonee Valley building (OnMilwaukee)
Menomonee Valley's growing home decor district adding Bachman Furniture Gallery (Journal Sentinel)
Bachman Furniture to relocate to St. Paul Avenue in Menomonee Valley (Milwaukee Business Journal)
Bachman Furniture to open store in historic building in Menomonee Valley (BizTimes)
Bachman Furniture's new location in Menomonee Valley to boost thriving urban district (Milwaukee Independent)
Articles and information on W St. Paul Ave:
Food Truck Wednesdays run through October
Food Truck Wednesdays are back this summer twice a month 11:30am-1pm.
Food trucks are returning to the Menomonee Valley Community Park near Charter Wire from 11:30am to 1pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from May to October. The food trucks expected each day will be posted the day before right here and on the Facebook event. Hope to see you there!
Featured Food Trucks on Wednesday, May 23 include:
- Denson's Catering - southern-inspired entrees including catfish po'boys, fried green tomatoes, Italian beef, and their signature burgers.
- Meat on the Street - Filipino inspired egg rolls, meat skewers, and rice bowls
Save this summer's dates:
- May 9 & 23
- June 13 & 27
- July 11 & 25
- August 8 & 22
- September 12 & 26
- October 10 & 24
