HGTV’s “Hometown Makeover” show is looking for what it is calling “it biggest renovation project ever — a takeover to makeover an entire town.” The goal: “to help you and your community revitalize the place you call home.” They are accepting submissions now, and the City of South Milwaukee plans on making one.
Video is a big part of this. The question is, how do we break through?
Enter, Kyle Olson. Kyle is a 2007 South Milwaukee High School graduate and Emmy-award winning producer who currently lives in Hollywood.
Kyle has agreed to come back home to produce this video! Joining him will be fellow South Milwaukee graduate and videographer Nick Koscielniak.
Kyle is flying in Friday and filming this Saturday, Feb. 1, so be sure to say hello if you see him and his crew around town. We may also want you to be part of the story — I’ll be reaching out individually on that.
I can’t wait to see this project come together. Hopefully it leads to additional investment in our city from HGTV. Even if it doesn’t, it will be fun to tell the South Milwaukee story in this unique way. And having that story told by Kyle and his team makes it all the more special.
We could not do this without partners. While Kyle is graciously donating his time and talents, there are still travel and production costs to fund.
The city is covering some of that cost — and in return Kyle has agreed to deliver a separate marketing video for us, using footage he collects here.
Also, I’m happy to announce Da Crusher Foundation and Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home have agreed to contribute toward this community storytelling project. Thank you so much!
We are still looking for additional donors to help fund the cost of bringing Kyle back to town and make these films, including businesses, organizations and individuals. If you are interested, please email me at brooks@smwi.org.
And please join me in welcoming Kyle back to town!
South Milwaukee Blog 
Would b nice 2 have AMERICAN LEGION POST #27 b involved in this project & people would also b more aware of this great veterans orhamization !!!
Funny you should ask … stay tuned.
A building that has been family owned with businesses since the early 70’s would make a great addition. Don’t forget the building was originally built to be the main butcher shop in 1923 with the pig on the side of the building still remaining. 1218 Milwaukee Avenue
A great project! The Napiers have taken on restoration and have succeeded in building community as well. Let’s hope this is a great opportunity for an SM alum to highlight the promise of his hometown in a creative way.
I know a lot of history and have some good ole pics of our town. ❤