News from Milwaukee Avenue (in addition to the Spirits Bar and Grill fire) …
First, some good news.
- Opening night of the South Milwaukee Downtown Market went very well (and windy). Thanks to everyone who came out, and to Melinda Myers for her time. It’s going to be a great summer at the market … and we’re just getting started! Learn more about our website.
- Studio 915, the art gallery and atelier at 915 Milwaukee Ave., is hosting an artist reception for Jeff Sadowski from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 25. Along with the art on display, live music, wine, beer and food will be available. The studio is also holding a couples painting workshop on Wednesday, May 30. Learn more at the Studio 915 website.
- Nearby, the former bank-turned-B&B Trophy store is getting a new tenant: PJ’s Variety Store. PJ’s is moving from its current store at 1234 Milwaukee to the cool old building at 921 Milwaukee in the next few weeks, owner Tony Bloom tells me. Stay tuned.
- Across the street, it look like (judging by the sign) Hometown Sports Cards has opened in the building that also houses Sunrise Clothiers and other small shops at 916 Milwaukee Ave.
- Down the block at 1203 Milwaukee Ave., Tiny-Tanks Leather, a leather store, has replaced the skateboard shop that closed earlier this year. See the leather store Craigslist page here.
And now some bad news … Wild Flour Bakery has closed its retail storefront at 1205 Milwaukee Ave. — again. But there’s some good news here too: Wild Flour will be back at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market all summer.
So, what to make of all this? Not sure. Comings and goings are certainly part of every small retail district. And while I’m happy to see some of the empty storefronts get filled, there are still way too many vacancies in our city center. There’s lots of work to do.
And the uncertain future of Spirits doesn’t make things any easier.
South Milwaukee Blog 
If I wanted to inquire about the building Wild Flour currently occupies to start my own bakery, who would I contact? The City or Wild Flour? Who owns the building?
That’s a great idea — and I wish you well. I really do think downtown South Milwaukee can support a bakery. I am pretty certain Wild Flour owns the building, and they still use it to bake out of for their other operations. Email me with your email address, and I’ll get you the information.
Is SM having a Memorial Day parade this year?
talked to ed today he is rebuilding and he will be at our market in 2 weeks
Yestetday’s treasures also just opened our doors inside sunrise at 916 milwaukee ave. We are dealing with everything collectible,with sales and consignment. Please stop in and check us out!
Welcome to downtown South Milwaukee!
That is correct Hometown Sportscards is open for buisness. We are located at 916 Milwaukee ave in Sunrise clotheirs. Great selection of Sportscards for sale. Hope to see all the collectors soon.
Great to hear. Welcome to South Milwaukee! I’m a former baseball card collector, and I’m looking to get my 7-year-old into the hobby. We’ll stop by.
@ Erik Awesome we look forward to meeting you and your son. We will have 2012 Topps Series 2 Baseball in later today. That might be something to get him started with. Bryce Harper’s 1st Topps card hottest card on the market right now.