Associated Bank announced Friday that it will close 21 branches across the state — and South Milwaukee’s won’t be one of them.
That’s according to this story in the Wisconsin State Journal, which lists the locations of the planned closures. They include Milwaukee-area locations in Greendale, Brookfield and Waukesha.
The Associated Bank in South Milwaukee is at 2815 S. Chicago Ave.
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A quick shout out to Studio 915, which is holding a special jewelry sale from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The sale features handmade jewelry from a number of local sellers, including several that were at the South Milwaukee Christmas Market the last two Saturdays.
Studio 915, at 915 Milwaukee Ave., opened less than two months ago. Check out my previous post here and its website.
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Update: I have also added items on Studio 915 and Green Flag Racing. They are two more outstanding South Milwaukee downtown businesses, and they’re definitely worth a trip this holiday season. And don’t forget PJ’s Variety at 1234 Milwaukee!
You can get all of your Christmas shopping done without leaving South Milwaukee.
Sound crazy in this world of big boxes and shopping malls? It’s not. Here are some suggestions.
I’d also recommend gift certificates to some of our top local restaurants. Nona’s Café, Azteca, China Chef, Paisano’s, Papa Luigi’s II/Salvatore’s and Barbiere’s are among the first-class eateries that call South Milwaukee home. And if you’re looking to cater a holiday gathering, I’d suggest Emerald City’s Creative Catering at 1645 Rawson Ave. Their broasted chicken and fish are fantastic, and they have a wide variety of take-and-bake items available.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t put another plug in here for this Saturday’s South Milwaukee Christmas Market at Caterpillar, where you can “shop local” from among more than 40 vendors selling arts, crafts, organics, baked goods, prepared food and other items.
And, finally, I ask: What did I miss? And what’s your favorite locally sold Christmas gift? Post your comments below!
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The positive momentum continues for South Milwaukee’s downtown with the reopening of the Wild Flour Bakery’s retail store.
You’ll recall that the store at 1205 Milwaukee closed over the summer due to slow sales, but its baking operations remained. See my previous post on that here.
I am told it reopened Tuesday. So I stopped by tonight and picked up some fresh-based raisin bread, cinnamon rolls and Packer-themed cookies. Yum!
Welcome back, Wild Flour!
(And don’t forget that Wild Flour will also be at both South Milwaukee Christmas Markets on Dec. 3 and 10 at Caterpillar.)
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I had the pleasure of attending on Friday the opening of the newest downtown South Milwaukee business, and I came away impressed.
Impressed because this is unlike any business now in our city center … and maybe unlike any business Milwaukee Avenue has ever seen. Impressed because this business decided to take a chance on opening in our fair city vs. what were surely trendier options. Impressed because its strorefront is simply beautiful, with its hardwood floors, cream brick and huge picture windows. Impressed because its owners seem committed to becoming active in their community.
And impressed, of course, with the unique and beautiful works of art that fill its space.
Yes, welcome to South Milwaukee, Studio 915.
The city’s new art gallery and studio could be a downtown game changer.
Here its mission statement: “Studio 915 is committed to showcasing the talent of new and aspiring Artists. We also offer a diverse range of classes and workshops designed to promote passion and awareness within the art community and beyond. We are committed to the development and advancement of the Artists we represent. Studio 915 promotes growth and wellness through a love and appreciation of the arts.”
It’s a grand mission — one that I’m excited to see come to life in downtown South Milwaukee.
Learn more about Studio 915 at its under-construction website, and be sure to stop by 915 Milwaukee Ave. and see for yourself what I’m talking about. They’ll also be at the Dec. 3 and 10 South Milwaukee Christmas Markets at Caterpillar.
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Ever been to Bayshore Town Center?
It’s a large — and unique to the area — mix of retail, restaurants, office, residential and entertainment space that opened in Glendale in 2006.
Pretty soon, Bayshore may not be the only town center in town. That’s because Oak Creek city leaders are proposing a similar development for the former Delphi site at Howell and Drexel Avenues, according to a story in Oak Creek Patch.
The plan will be presented at a meeting Monday night.
From the story:
The town center plan emerged following two public meetings held earlier this year, according to a news release issued Wednesday afternoon. The Oct. 31 meeting will finalize the recommended plans for Delphi, 7929 S. Howell Ave., as well as the existing Civic Center site at the corner of Puetz and Howell avenues.
The plan for Delphi will include one option with a relocated Oak Creek City Hall and public library and one option without those buildings.
I know that some South Milwaukeeans are (rightly) concerned about the impact the proposed Walmart may have on the retail we currently have in our fair city. However, I would argue that developments like this — not to mention existing big boxes like Kohl’s and Target on Howell Avenue — are just as big a threat, maybe bigger.
In this regional economy, competition comes from all around us.
The town center meeting is planned for 7 p.m. Monday at the Oak Creek Community Center, 8580 S. Howell Ave. I’ll keep you posted as this story develops.
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Caterpillar is growing, and not only in South Milwaukee.
The company reported a 44 percent increase in profit this week for the third quarter and said it created 4,800 jobs worldwide during the period.
Check out The Business Journal story here. Also check out coverage from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Business Week.
From the Times piece:
Caterpillar executives said they expected that momentum to carry into next year, with sales rising up to 20 percent above the $58 billion in sales it expects to have this year.
“We’re having a great year in 2011, and 2012 is shaping up to be better,” said Douglas R. Oberhelman, Caterpillar’s chief executive.
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Update: Here is The Business Journal story.
The South Milwaukee Toppers Pizza location at Grant Park Plaza opens on Saturday … and if you don’t mind getting there early (probably really early) you could win free pizza for a year.
Learn more in this Oak Creek Patch story. From it:
The chain is most known for its pizza and cheese sticks and has expanded rapidly in the Milwaukee area. Saturday’s South Milwaukee grand opening begins at 10:30 a.m. The first 50 customers in line get free pizza for a year.
I’d also like to know what you think of the chain — and the state of South Milwaukee pizza in general. What is your favorite pizza place in town? Post your comments below!
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Former Bucyrus CEO Tim Sullivan has kept a relatively low profile in the past couple of months, following the closing of the Caterpillar deal.
He did speak briefly at an event on Sept. 24 unveiling the Bucyrus plaque being erected at Heritage Park on 10th and Milwaukee Avenues.
Now, Sullivan has been named chairman of a group studying the mine regulatory process and pushing for legislation to streamline the approval process.
Here is the story. From it:
Sullivan said the association would not lobby for legislative changes, not serve as a conduit to funnel political donations and wouldn’t fund advertising touting the benefits of mining to the Wisconsin economy.
The association also would not accept funding or be represented on the board by Gogebic, Sullivan said.
“We want to be completely independent of any potential investors (in the mine),” Sullivan said.
The association expects to provide data and information that shows how iron ore mining can be done without harming the environment, Sullivan said.
Sullivan said the association isn’t being formed solely because of Gogebic, noting that Aquila Resources, a German company, began exploring for gold in Marathon County in June.
“It’s pretty clear that commodity prices are driving all of this interest right now,” Sullivan said.
As I’ve posted before, this pending legislation has me concerned, especially if it means a significant reduction in environmental reviews done before a mine is built, as previous legislation floated did.
I hope lawmakers find the right balance on this issue. I fear they won’t.
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Update: Here is the preliminary site plan for the development. And here is a look at the front of the store, which may change somewhat based on feedback from the Plan Commission.
The South Milwaukee Walmart is one step closer to approval after the Plan Commission voted unanimously Monday to recommend approval of necessary rezoning.
The commission also saw for the first time detailed site and architectural drawings of the store, its parking lot and surroundings.
The meeting lasted approximately one hour and included a number representatives from Walmart presenting and answering questions about building architecture, traffic flow, environmental and other issues. Only a couple of citizens attended, as well as four aldermen.
Some of the “new news” from the meeting:
The City Council will have to approve the zoning change from its current mix of M-2 manufacturing and C-2 commercial to a Commercial Planned Development District — a designation that gives the city more power to set requirements for the development.
I will post the Walmart renderings when I get them.
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I’ve definitely lamented the loss of the Bucyrus name from South Milwaukee on this blog … which is why I’m glad to see the efforts of former Mayor Chet Grobschmidt and others to memorialize the mining manufacturer pay off.
A brass historic plaque commemorating Bucyrus as an icon in the world mining industry will be unveiled and dedicated at a ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, at Heritage Park on 10th and Milwaukee Avenues.
The plaque depicts the history of Bucyrus since its founding in 1880, its relocation to South Milwaukee in 1892 and its “retirement” in 2011 as Bucyrus International. Check it out here.
All are encouraged to attend the ceremony. I hope to see you there!
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OnMilwaukee.com has an article with more information on the six new Griddlers Cafes, including the one in South Milwaukee.
Check it out here.
You’ll recall that the six were previously George Webb restaurants, but they changed their nameplate after the franchisee decided not to renew their agreement with Webb’s.
With the new name will come some menu, ambience and other changes. (New signs went up in the last week at the South Milwaukee location.)
According to the article:
“We’re being more creative, and we are improving the quality of the food,” Don Hensiak continued. The coffee is now freshly ground in store, the portion size of the hash browns has been increased, and the combined double cheeseburger patties now weigh in at one-third of a pound. “We’re upgrading the bread products and using more of a bakery bun for the double cheeseburger,” Don added. …
Many of the Webb concepts remain. Griddlers Cafes serve breakfast and burgers around the clock.
All employes have been retained, as has the folksy Webb culture. The staff uniform is a polo shirt in a palette of solid colors over black slacks.
Interior decor is changing to soften the look and suggest cafe rather than diner. Grand opening festivities are planned for next month.
I’d like to know what you think. Have you been to Griddlers? Write your review below!
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The city has set dates for three public hearings related to the proposed Walmart development. Here are the details ….
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A 30-year-old Kenosha man was killed in an industrial accident at Caterpillar Thursday.
According to a press release from the South Milwaukee Police Department, the man who died was Jeffrey B. Smith, a crane operator.
Check out coverage from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and WISN.
I’ll keep you posted when I hear more.
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