by | June 24, 2014 · 5:27 pm

Investing In Downtown South Milwaukee: Thanks, Sorce Martial Arts

DSC1526DSC5067The renovation and expansion of Sorce Martial Arts are nearly complete … and what better time to celebrate than during Evening on the Avenue?

That’s the plan, as Sorce holds a grand re-opening event from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 24. From the press release …

The event will be an open house for the community to tour the newly expanded facilities, observe adult and child martial arts classes, meet with instructors and staff and take advantage of enrollment specials. In place of the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, there will be a belt-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. The Grand Re-opening also marks the 10th anniversary of Sorce Martial Arts at their current location at 926 Milwaukee Avenue.

“We’re excited about opening the doors of our new facility and sharing everything that martial arts has to offer our community,” says owner and Master Instructor Pete Sorce. While the expansion has taken more than a year to complete, Sorce says that the process has been worth it. With more than 250 adults and children actively attending classes, he adds, “I wanted to create a special space that models the quality of our programs and not be simply a gym or a toddler playground.”

The lower level of the two-story building, which used to house a pharmacy and small offices covered with aging wood-paneling, mismatched carpeting and very little natural daylight, has been completely transformed into a 6,000 square foot contemporary martial arts school. The expanded space now features two full-sized training rooms, new ample viewing areas for families, a private lesson room and offices, a lounge area, and new bathrooms and changing rooms. The look and feel of the space is natural, contemporary and open.

Sorce says that he spent a lot of time researching options for a larger facility to accommodate the school’s growing student base and additional classes. He considered other existing buildings in the area and new construction, but eventually decided to stay at the existing location and expand the space. Pete and Rachel Sorce purchased the building last May, then started the demolition and remodel immediately. Throughout the process, classes in the front half of the building continued as usual.

Thanks to the Sorces for investing in downtown South Milwaukee. There are certainly strong signs of life in our city center — and that is thanks to passionate and committed business owners like them.

Check out more renovation images from Anthony Sell here.

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by | June 23, 2014 · 8:57 am

Celebrating A South Milwaukee Home — And The Garden Tour

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel comes a nice feature on the South Milwaukee home of John and Patti Bergeson, which you can see for yourself as part of the upcoming South Milwaukee Historical Society Garden Tour.

From the story …

When John and Patti Bergeson went house hunting nearly 17 years ago, their dream house was a fixer-upper. No way did they want a house in perfect condition. Because both work in construction and are do-it-yourselfers with lots of energy and creative ideas, they wanted a home they could put their stamp on.

They got their wish when they found their late 1890s farmhouse in South Milwaukee. Even though they’ve been working on the home’s interior, exterior and green spaces nearly nonstop since they bought it, there’s still plenty to do.

“We have 50 projects going on at once,” said, John, who goes by “Rock.” We do everything ourselves. … We have no time to rest.”

And don’t forget about the Garden Tour on June 28!

 

 

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by | June 21, 2014 · 4:18 pm

Drama At The Depot: Bringing Performance Art To A Piece Of South Milwaukee History

A “pop-up festival” of performance art coming to the iconic South Milwaukee railroad depot?

How cool is that?

Learn more here, including information on how you can be one of the performers.

Details from the Battery Factory, which is holding this event July 24-26 in conjunction with the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center …

The performance venue is the South Milwaukee Train Depot Platform. The restored station provides an atmospheric backdrop and contained space for an outdoor performance for an audience of 40-60 people, seated. Taking place the evenings of July 24, 25 and 26, performances commence @7:30PM each night, with one 10 minute intermission between the 2nd & 3rd pieces. Successful applicants must appear at each performance.

Consider it another reason to love Heritage Week.

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by | June 20, 2014 · 6:49 am

Happy Anniversary: South Milwaukee PAC Plans Special 10th Anniversary Season

10th anniversaryHard to believe that it’s been 10 years …

The SMPAC announced its 10th anniversary performing arts series this week, and it’s another good one.

From the press release …

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center (SMPAC) announces the 10th Anniversary Performing Arts Series.

“Our 10th Anniversary Series features 10 shows that highlight topics relevant to our hometown and surrounding community. It will be the busiest, most diverse and engaging season in our history. Each show speaks to a memory of our city’s proud past, reflects on a shared experience, or brings hope and optimism for a bright, creative future,“ says Chad Piechocki, SMPAC Director.

“Some shows are celebratory and entertaining, while others address important social issues like the changing nature of Main Street or what it means to be “broken” yet inspired,” says Piechocki. “We strive to bring together diverse audiences and foster a deeper connection to our world and with one another. To this end, we’re planning a season finale that engages our patrons as key collaborators. Our 10th Anniversary Gala will be a variety show curated by patrons within the SMPAC community, featuring Tomas Kubinek as Master of Ceremonies.”

Season series tickets are now on sale, and please consider buying one or three, or at least attending a few shows. This is a terrific facility, with  mix of terrific performances we are lucky to have in our city.

And one other note: I want to wish Chad, the SMPAC director, well. Chad is headed to Present Music, a Milwaukee-based ensemble music organization. I’ve gotten to know Chad quite well the past few years, and his passion, energy, creativity and willingness to embrace big, bold ideas will be missed in this community.

Good luck, Chad. You leave a strong foundation for whoever comes after you.

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by | June 19, 2014 · 7:47 am

Busy Council Meeting On Tuesday … Including Dealing With Downtown Rummage

News and notes from Tuesday’s South Milwaukee City Council meeting …

First, on rummage sales in front of downtown stores. I think they cheapen the look of our (and any) downtown — and I’ve seen too many in the past year. I can think of at least five different commercial storefronts that have “hosted” rummage sales since last summer.

With that in mind, I asked the city attorney to draft an ordinance specifically banning these, and the council gave initial passage to one Tuesday. Simply, if it receives final passage at our July meeting, no rummage sales will be allowed along Milwaukee Avenue between 9th and 13th and 10th Avenue between Rawson and Marquette.

This does not ban sidewalk sales, or existing businesses putting select items outside their store to catch the eye of potential customers. The ordinance specifically allows that. What it does it keep store owners and others from selling their junk outside their business.

I think that’s a small win for downtown, something we can do as we begin the discussion (and action) around the big ideas and solutions we need for our city center. That is coming soon.

Among other actions taking by the council Tuesday …

  • The council approved several new mayoral appointments. Welcome on board Tim Talaska, Jenn Medved and Heather Page, and welcome back Pat Bordak. Thanks for your willingness to step up and provide your passion, energy and ideas to these boards and commissions.
  • The council also recognized the hiring of three new firefighters, including Captain Brad Sibley, Lt. Kurt Egner (promoted from within) and firefighter Tyler Anders.
  • The council has approved a variety of liquor licenses at recent meetings. Tuesday’s batch included one for the former Bully’s liquor store at 1232 Milwaukee Ave. Bully’s has been closed for months and I’m told will reopen soon.
  • Our next regularly scheduled council meeting is at 7 p.m. July 15. We are also holding a special “call” meeting to approve a couple liquor licenses, among other issues, at 6 p.m. June 30.

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by | June 18, 2014 · 3:24 pm

Good News On Grant Park Plaza

It’s good to see some positive momentum at Grant Park Plaza.

Two new tenants are coming to the center in coming months.

The biggest name is Planet Fitness. The national fitness club has signed a 10.5-year lease for a vacant 18,308 square-foot space in the northern half of the center, near Pick ‘n Save. The club could open as early as September, following more than $600,000 in improvements coming to the center with the buildout of the new space.

To help fund those improvements, the South Milwaukee City Council approved disbursing $250,000 in tax incremental financing and other funds held in escrow per the development agreement with the center owners — funds that would come available only when the center reached an 80% occupancy rate. The addition of Planet Fitness brings it past that threshold.

The council also approved the sale of the Advanced Auto Parts lot to the Crowne Group Inc., a real estate investment company. It’s a deal similar to what’s occurred with other parcels at Grant Park Plaza.

Additionally, the center has a letter of intent from CSL Plasma to open in 10,000 to 12,000 square feet adjacent to Walgreens next spring. Stay tuned for more details on that tenant. CSL has locations nationwide, including in Racine and Beloit. Learn more on its website.

The addition of the plasma center will push mall occupancy past 90% — not bad for a strip center these days.

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by | June 16, 2014 · 5:56 pm

Drexel Avenue Is Open

Just a quick update …

Drexel Avenue is now fully open east- and west-bound from 15th to Nicholson Avenues. Thanks for your patience, and please drive safely.

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by | June 15, 2014 · 10:21 pm

Bringing New Faces, New Ideas To Our Boards And Commissions

Tuesday night, I’ll be nominating four residents to serve on our volunteer boards and commissions — talented people who are willing to sacrifice their time to use their talents and passions to make South Milwaukee a better place.

And I thank them for it. They are:

  • Police and Fire Commission: Heather Page
  • Library Board: Pat Bordak (who is being reappointed) and Jenn Medved
  • Traffic Commission: Tim Talaska

Do you want to serve on a board or commission? I’d love to hear from you. As I’ve written about, I’ve “opened up” this process to encourage people to apply for these important roles vs. seeking people from my circle of friends, colleagues and acquaintances — a decision that is already paying off.

There are openings on our boards and commissions throughout the year, so apply now, and we’ll keep your application on file.

Learn more, and get an application, here.

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by | June 14, 2014 · 12:37 am

More Headlines … And Info On South Milwaukee’s “Bug Whisperer”

Check out these headlines of local interest …

NOW has stories on the June 19 Kohl’s Cares Grow Safe & Health Mobile Tour stop at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market and the June 28 Garden Tour.

And here is a profile of Antonio Gustin, a South Milwaukee High School graduate affectionately known as the “Bug Whisperer.” Really cool.

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by | June 11, 2014 · 5:50 pm

Farewell, Mr. Nowak

Former South Milwaukee teacher and Rawson and Blakewood principal Erv “Mick” Nowak passed away this week.

Here is his obituary, and the online tributes show the impact this man had.

From the obituary:

His career in education spanned 34 years in South Milwaukee – as both a 6th grade teacher and math teacher at Parkway for seven years and then as principal of Rawson and Blakewood elementary schools. His philosophy was “do what’s best for the children.” Known to his students as “Mr. Kickball,” Erv was full-time pitcher and refereed the popular lunchtime recess games.

Erv was known for his flawless penmanship, likely the result of all the practice he received penning the thousands of hand-written notes he mailed to each and every student on their birthdays. He spent countless hours writing these notes on index cards, always with a reference to what made that child special and unique. He remembered former students and their families by name, even decades after they had been at one of his schools.

Please keep the Nowak family — and all who knew him — in your prayers. The visitation and funeral are Friday at St. Matthew’s in Oak Creek.

Did you know Mr. Nowak? Post your comments below.

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by | June 11, 2014 · 11:09 am

Fire Damages Michigan Avenue Home

1725 Michigan (1)From the South Milwaukee Fire Department …

At approximately 5:14PM last evening (Tuesday, June 10), SMPD Dispatch rec’d a telephone call from a male caller who stated he needed a fire engine at 1725 Michigan Avenue and hung up the phone.  Without knowing the exact nature of the call or even if an emergency existed, SMFD responded with an engine to investigate.  While responding, Capt. McCoy could see a column of smoke rising into the sky in the area of the call and immediately requested that the level of response be upgraded to a Working Still for a structure fire.  The Working Still level brings in assistance from our mutual aid partners.  Upon their arrival, the encountered a single-family Capt Cod style house with heavy smoke “pushing” from the attic.  Hoselines were deployed to attack the fire while additional personnel and equipment arrived and an SMFD attack crew made their way into the 2nd floor and attic and extinguished the fire.  No injuries were reported.  Damage to the attic and 2nd floor was significant.  As can be seen in the attached photos, the house was being re-roofed at the time and both the workers and the homeowners reported that their 60-amp electrical service repeatedly blew fuses when the contractor’s air compressor kicked in.  The fire remains under investigation by SMFD Lt. Frost, but involvement of the electrical system cannot be ruled out absent a detailed examination by a qualified electrical professional.

Here is coverage from TMJ4.

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by | June 10, 2014 · 8:17 pm

Now Showing: Outdoor Movies

Outdoor movies are returning to downtown South Milwaukee.

I am excited to announce that Guardian Credit Union Movies at The Market have been scheduled for three Thursdays this summer and fall at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market: Aug. 14 and 21 and Oct. 9.

Showtime is approximately 8 p.m. for the August shows and 6:30 p.m. for the October movie, which concludes the market’s popular season-ending Fall Family Festival event.

We’ll announce the movies in coming weeks, but for now mark your calendars!

I can’t thank GCU enough for stepping up with the donation for the movies – and thanks as well to the farmers’ market for hosting them. It’s great to have this family event returning to downtown South Milwaukee.

These types of partnerships are exciting to see, and you will see more of them with me as mayor. Learn more here.

 

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by | June 9, 2014 · 8:17 pm

Rising Above Politics To Get Stuff Done

10415585_10203912583604704_2955800412544252098_nI pledge to live by every word I said in this BizTimes cover story.

More importantly, I’m excited to see South Milwaukee included in the company of Oak Creek, Wauwatosa and Waukesha. It’s an honor to stand next to my colleagues and share goals built around common sense, apolitical approaches to solving problems.

Indeed, South Milwaukee is “open for business” — and I’m committed to work together to move this city forward, no matter your politics.

Here’s to a promising future!

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by | June 8, 2014 · 10:29 pm

Flag Day Ceremony Set For Thursday

Please join me for the city’s annual Flag Day ceremony this Thursday at City Hall.

The brief ceremony starts at 6 p.m. at the gazebo outside of the Grobschmidt Senior Center. It will feature a flag retirement ceremony, music from the South Milwaukee Municipal Band, food and refreshments.

Check out the event listing on the city’s Facebook page for more information.

See you there!

(Flag Day is actually June 14, but we typically hold this event on a weeknight.)

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by | June 7, 2014 · 10:23 pm

Rocket Baseball Team Off To Hot Start

Baseball 6-7-14A quick shoutout to Coach Galewski and the Rockets, who are off to a 7-1 start after 10-3 win over Homestead on Friday …

Good luck the rest of the way.

Why not take in a game in coming weeks? Check out their full schedule here. Their next home game is June 16 against Whitnall. First pitch is 5 p.m.

(The photo is of my son, Christian, pitching to one of the Rocket players Saturday, when Little Leaguers were invited to practice with the team. Very cool.)

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