United Methodist Children’s Services Phase III Holds Groundbreaking Celebration
Although the official groundbreaking ceremony was held this past weekend, the United Methodist Children’s Services (UMCS) Phase III development is well under construction. The 10-unit mixed-use apartment building, to be located at 3800 West Lisbon Ave., will provide quality affordable housing for low-income families. The building will include two retail slots, and will include a new neighborhood orchard. This development project involved numerous partners working together to remake the Washington Park Neighborhood, the partners included WHEDA, Milwaukee County, RACM, Community Development Advocates, Friends of Housing, Engberg Anderson Design Partnership and Universal Construction Solutions, T. L. Reese Construction, Washington Park Partners, Community Pie, and Milwaukee Bicycle Works.
Two of the projects partners will become first floor tenants within the building. Community Pie will make use of the orchard and neighborhood fruit trees to produce and sell locally grown pies. Milwaukee Bicycle Works, led by Keith Holt, will bring a community bicycle store and organization to the neighborhood. The organization will collect donated bikes, and after refurbishing them will make them available at affordable prices, while introducing the community to the health and economic benefits of bicycle riding. Children and teenagers will be able to learn job skills, safe bicycle riding methods, and bicycle repair skills at the location.
For more information on Milwaukee Bicycle Works take a look at this video: