Category Archives: Downtown

January 24, 2015 · 11:51 am

Big Plans For Board Game Barrister

DSC01873I’ll let Gordon Lugauer explain it in his blog post. An excerpt …

This location has a really nice Mainstreet-style showroom. However, while we will be adding some additional racks to display more product, there is no getting around the fact that the space is too small to display the same range of products we are known for. So we’re doing something different.

The Board Game Barrister Clearance Center!

Part of my retail philosophy is that if I’ve made a mistake when choosing products for my stores, either because I bought too much or because I just got it wrong, I take it off the shelf. No point in having the wrong game on the shelf when we could try something else that might prove to be the right one. These aren’t bad products, just wrong for the stores they were at (truly bad products, like the batch of card holders we got last year, never get sold once we know about the problem). Or perhaps that last item from an assortment that looks lonely on the shelf, too lonely to be attractive as a possible gift. These items will at last have a home at the Clearance Center, arrayed all nice and shoppable at the Board Game Barrister – South Milwaukee.

Currently, we have just over one row of shelves, probably 100 items, in our clearance center. Everything from thinky hobby games to puzzles to LEGO. Eventually, we’ll include some ding-n-dent items and games from our demo library that are no longer seeing use. This is a really neat way to get these games, toys, and puzzles on display, and is something unique for the South Milwaukee store.

And, at a good price, too. Everything in the clearance center is 30% off.

The Garden Theater building, which was the South Milwaukee Carpets warehouse for the past 35 years, has become our warehouse and processing center. Processing what? Currently, processing games, toys, and puzzles that are in the warehouse and sending them to our Bayshore and Greenfield stores. But in 2015, this will also include processing orders from our soon-to-be-ready (really, I promise) online store. Having a warehouse is really pretty fantastic, and allows the other stores to focus on connecting with people through games, not receiving shipments. This will be a huge boon when we open our 4th location (no, no plans yet).

Thanks to Gordon and Board Game Barrister for investing in downtown South Milwaukee!

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January 23, 2015 · 10:22 pm

Driving The Debate Downtown

I’m happy to announce the formation of the Downtown Advisory Committee — the group of business and property owners and residents who will be front and center in the debate over our city center in coming years.

The goal of the committee: To advise the South Milwaukee City Council and Plan Commission on downtown issues big and small, and play a key role in the development of a downtown plan that we’ll be working on as part of our comprehensive planning update.

It’s a big job, and an important one. I know this group will deliver, bringing passion, energy, enthusiasm and experience — along with some fresh voices — to the table. I can’t wait to get started!

It is a 10-member committee. Voting members are:

  • Jay Benkowski: Owner of Benkowski Properties, which owns and manages a number of downtown and area residential properties. He is based out of the downtown South Milwaukee Depot.
  • Brett Breisemeister: Owner of Breismeister Realty & Appraisal and member of the Plan Commission.
  • Kristin Drenzek: Owner of Drenzek Chiropractic.
  • Natalie Gajewski: Owner of The Revolution Hair Studio, Natalie is serving as one of the resident members of the committee.
  • Chris Haslam: South Milwaukee resident and Caterpillar employee with education in civil and structural engineering.
  • Timothy King: South Milwaukee resident with significant experience in real estate development and community revitalization as a developer, builder, operator, consultant, advisor and executive.
  • Nicole Maxey: Owner of MKE City Sippers.
  • Donn Powers: Owner of Donn Powers Jeweler.
  • Rachel Sorce: South Milwaukee resident and executive director of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

The non-voting city council liaison will be Ald. Frank Van Dusen III.

I expect this group will first meet in February, coinciding with the hiring of a new economic development coordinator for the city. (We had strong interest in this position and are starting interviews in coming days.)

I want to thank everyone who applied to be on this committee. Interest was high, and we had some great candidates, making for some difficult choices. I see that as a really good sign for what we’re doing here.

I hope that those not chosen — and everyone reading this — joins the conversation. There will be plenty of opportunities to have your voices heard when it comes to revitalizing our downtown. Be heard.

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January 8, 2015 · 6:05 pm

Downtown Update: Movies Are Back … And Welcome, Revolution Hair Studio

10368242_773209552701638_756388576200149557_n (1)Think summer. Think blankets and lawn chairs spread out on the grass, the smell of popcorn in the air, a family-friendly movie playing on the big screen.

Now, mark your calendars for three Friday nights this summer, as Guardian Credit Union brings back outdoor movies downtown. The dates are June 19, July 17 and August 21. Movies will be held at the farmers’ market site on 11th and Madison.

I’m excited to see these return, and thank Guardian for their continued partnership in what is turning into a really cool community event. Stay tuned for more details, including word on what movies will be showing.

In other downtown news …

  • Some good news on the business front … The Revolution is here, as downtown South Milwaukee’s newest business – The Revolution Hair Studio – is now open at 1017 Milwaukee Ave. Let’s welcome Bonnie and Joy to town! … Also, progress is being made on the new collectibles and old-time candy store planned for the east end of Milwaukee. Wrote owner Troy Kinunen: The New Vintage Candy, Toy, and Historic Military Collectables store located at 723 Milwaukee Ave. is on pace to open April 1st. We have completed the demolition, all framing is complete, and we are starting on the second level once weather permits. Plumbing, Electrical, and Heating & Air is also being currently installed. I can’t wait for this one to open.
  • And some good news on our broader initiatives … We are wrapping up selection of members for the new Downtown Advisory Committee, and I expect to have nominees before the South Milwaukee Common Council for their approval for the Jan. 20 meeting. This group will play a key role in advising the Plan Commission and City Council around downtown issues, and in developing a downtown plan. We are also hiring a consultant to aid in that planning effort (and in an update to overall comprehensive plan).
  • And some disappointing news … The Animal Hospital of South Milwaukee, 920 Milwaukee Ave., has moved to Oak Creek, according to its website. Similarly, Shannon Wucherer’s photo studio down the block has also moved, to Walker’s Point.

So, overall, continued strong progress. Not perfect, but I’ll take it … with much more to come.

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December 8, 2014 · 5:04 pm

Lighting Up Downtown For Christmas

SMLights_0024 small SMLights_0009 small SMLights_0022 small SMLights_0003 small SMLights_0005 smallA hearftelt note of thanks to the South Milwaukee Community and Business Association (formerly the chamber) and everyone who contributed to our new downtown Christmas lights this year …

I think they look terrfic, and have heard from plenty of people who agree. There are more than 60 new fixtures in all.

The association and its members are great community partners, stepping up to improve South Milwaukee in ways big and small. This is a great example, and much appreciated.

And thanks to Shannon Wucherer Photography for providing these images. Shannon’s studio is at 914 Milwaukee Ave., and you can learn more about her busines on her Facebook page. Really good stuff from another successful Milwaukee Avenue business.

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December 4, 2014 · 10:03 pm

Wanted: Someone With A Passion For Economic Development

We’re putting renewed focus on economic development in 2015 and beyond — with the hiring of a single person to lead our efforts in attracting and retaining business, marketing our city and downtown redevelopment, among other duties.

Know someone who might be interested in being our new economic development coordinator?

Here is the job description. Apply here.

I’m excited to get this person on board as soon as possible. There’s lots of work to do!

I’ll still play a big role in economic development going forward — it’s a top priority for me as mayor and a passion — but it will be a huge help having someone inside City Hall (almost) every day driving these efforts.

It’s a big step forward for South Milwaukee.

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November 23, 2014 · 11:34 pm

Downtown Update: Telling The Downtown Story

I had the pleasure of speaking at Monday’s South Shore Option 3.0 event, a local economic development forum presented by Milwaukee County Supervisor Pat Jursik and the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.

I chose to tell the downtown story. And it’s a good one, even as we continue to write it.

From investment by existing businesses into their properties to new business development to the creation of business-building events, this quickly is becoming a success story.

You can see what I presented here.

And here are a few updates on some downtown businesses.

First, some unfortunate news: Greg’s Soup-er-Desserts has closed, according to a sign posted over the weekend.

However, progress is being made on several other new merchants, in addition to MKE City Sippers, which has been very successful in its first couple of weeks, and the arrival of Revolution Hair Studio …

  • Wild Flour Bakery, 1205 Milwaukee Ave., is officially reopening tomorrow (Monday, Nov. 24) with a celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. Regular hours will Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 8 to 4. It will be closed on Sundays.
  • Board Game Barrister, 1007 Milwaukee, is already open limited hours, as they ramp up toward new signage, additional inventory and other upgrades. For now, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, owner Gordon Lugauer tells me.
  • The retail storefront of Mears Online Auctions is also progressing. I spoke to owner Troy Kinunen last weekend, and interior work has begun at the property at 723 Milwaukee, with construction of a new second floor beginning soon. The concept is a really cool one: old-time candy combined with military, toy and other collectibles for sale. Should be a great addition.

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November 7, 2014 · 3:15 pm

Wild Flour Bakery To Reopen This Month

The downtown momentum continues, with some more great news for South Milwaukee’s central business district.

Wild Flour Bakery is set to reopen its storefront retail space by Thanksgiving, according to Jaime Salazar, who will run the store at 1205 Milwaukee Ave.

Hours will be Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9-4.

Jaime tells me the store will offer baked goods like pastries, breads, cookies and muffins, with the potential of offering hot and cold lunches and other prepared foods in 2015, depending on customer feedback. Customers will also be able to order Thanksgiving pies at the store in coming weeks. And they will offer catering.

The interior (which features a kitchen in the back, where Wild Flour has continued to use even with the storefront closed) will also get a facelift with new paint and decor.

I wish Jaime and the staff at Wild Flour the best of luck — and thank them for continuing to invest in downtown South Milwaukee. I’m excited to see new life for the store that closed more than three years ago, and look forward to even more good news for downtown in coming weeks and months.

From MKE City Sippers to Wild Flour Bakery to Board Game Barrister (opening soon), and more, we’re just getting started when it comes to downtown South Milwaukee!

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October 24, 2014 · 10:31 pm

Scarecrows Invade Downtown!

1798531_10205427848114710_2396169180249992554_nYou may have noticed some new faces downtown — more than a dozen scarecrows made by young local artists, to celebrate Rocketoberand this Saturday’s downtown trick-or-treating scavenger hunt.

A big thanks to all of the kids from Ms. Ramirez’s art classes at Lakeview and E.W. Luther Elementary Schools and the kids at Mary Linsmeier School for creating these works of art!

Stop by and see them this weekend as you take part in Saturday’s Rocketober downtown trick-or-treating scavenger hunt.

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October 5, 2014 · 7:27 pm

Downtown Momentum

I am excited about downtown South Milwaukee, and where it’s headed.

Here are a few reasons why.

For starters, I am proud to announce that three new destination retail businesses are planning to open downtown in coming weeks – exactly the kind of businesses we need more of in our city center.

  • One, MKE City Sippers, is a new upscale coffee shop opening at 911 Milwaukee Ave., between I Can’t Resist Kids Resale and Dowling Community Acupuncture. Owned by Nicole Maxey, a young professional excited about the prospects of our city center, it will serve Anodyne Coffee (terrific, if you haven’t been to their stores in Bay View and Walker’s Point), gourmet lattes, fair trade loose leaf Rishi tea, Dang! Butterscotch Root Beer, cupcakes and other locally baked goods. MKE City Sippers — pictured below — will also be offering free wifi, books to read, fun coffee mugs and tea infusers, unique gift items and more. They are hoping to open the week of October 27. Check out their Facebook page in the meantime.
  • The former Voice Journal/Graphic/Kelly Driving School building is also getting new life as a retail storefront for Troy Kinunen. Troy is the owner of Mears Online Auctions, located in the beautifully redone St. Mary’s Hall in town. His storefront at 723 Milwaukee will feature a unique mix of old-fashioned candy, novelties and collectibles. Troy just received approval from the Plan Commission to move ahead with a complete overhaul of the building, including construction of a second-floor condo and storage space to go along with the retail storefront. He expects to open Dec. 1.
  • And, finally, the former South Milwaukee Carpet/Garden Theater won’t stay closed for long. While the carpet store at 1007 Milwaukee closed this summer with the retirement of the Lugauers, their son, Gordon, who grew up above the carpet shop, has purchased the building. His plans? To open a third location for his Board Game Barrister business, joining existing locations at the Greenfield Towne Center and Bayshore Town Center. Tentative opening date is Oct. 27.

Please join me in welcoming all three of these businesses to town — and join me in patronizing them. I’ll keep you posted as their grand openings draw near … and pledge to keep working my hardest to attract just these types of businesses to our fair city.

That’s just the start when it comes to downtown. Hopefully you’ve already seen some of the other efforts underway to improve our city center. For example, hundreds, if not thousands, of people are rediscovering downtown South Milwaukee through special events.

  • The South Milwaukee Downtown Market continues to rock and roll, and this summer its 11th Avenue location got a new look with a new road and streetscaping project. (The plantings just went in last week.)
  • The first two Guardian Credit Union Movies in the Market have also been a hit, both drawing hundreds of attendees following the farmers’ markets. The third outdoor movie, “Hocus Pocus,” is showing following the market’s season-ending Fall Family Festival this Thursday, Oct. 9. And Guardian — a proud downtown business of its own — has already committed to doing three more downtown movies in 2015!
  • We’re also bringing Rocketober to downtown South Milwaukee on Saturday, Oct. 25, with a special trick-or-treating scavenger hunt just for merchants in our city center. More details to come.
  • Christmas will also be special downtown, with events like the tree lighting and parade and a new “shop local” event being planned by the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. (Stay tuned for details on this one.) The South Milwaukee Community and Business Association has also led the charge in replacing more than 60 street decorations, purchasing new LED light fixtures, among other changes.

We’ve also made progress in more proactively enforcing our building codes. Hopefully you’re seeing a difference, one building at a time. A new window her, a paint job there, or maybe removal of an ugly awning. We have lots more work to do in this area, and we’re doing it, putting a laser focus on making sure our downtown building owners live up to the baseline of our city ordinances. Too many of them haven’t been.

And as we do this – all of this – we’re making strong progress toward the long-term work we need to do downtown as well. That starts with our long-overdue downtown plan.

There are lots of moving parts here, including the potential hiring of a citywide economic development director, formation of a downtown South Milwaukee advisory committee, and selection of a third-party consultant to aid us in the planning process. The economic development director position and planning consultant are both funded in the first executive budget I’ve been a part of as mayor, finalized late last week.

So, lots going on. Excited? I am. Much more to come!

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May 30, 2014 · 10:29 pm

Improving The Look Of Downtown, One Building At A Time

Downtown smallWe have a lot of work to do downtown, and we will do it. We will come together as a community around a plan for our city center — and then commit to work that plan. We will start that process soon.

One thing we can do right away: Be more proactive in enforcing our existing property codes. And that’s what we’re doing.

In my first weeks as mayor, I’ve asked that the city be more out front in ordering downtown property owners to make much-needed improvements to their facades … simply getting them to comply with our property maintenance ordinances.

Broken, cracked or clouded windows. Peeling paint. Dilapidated signs advertising businesses that haven’t operated in years. Those are just some of the issues with select (too many) downtown properties.

So, our property code enforcer is being more aggressive in “writing up” more buildings in our central business district, not waiting for complaints before sending notices to owners mandating that they get their buildings to code — and hopefully more than that, perhaps using our underutilized facade grant program.

This brings me to the photo above. Thursday, I, our code enforcer and city engineer made the first of several downtown walks, discussing problem properties and pointing out issues. We started at 13th and Milwaukee and walked east to 10th and back again. Next up, Milwaukee Avenue east of 10th, then 10th Avenue north and south.

I’m sure I’ll learn a lot as I go … and hopefully this will make a difference in improving the look of our downtown, one building at a time, as we plot a long-term strategy.

Indeed, we’re just getting started!

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