It’s a tad shabby now, but could become a wonderful entranceway to Walker’s Point
It’s a tad shabby now, but could become a wonderful entranceway to Walker’s Point Back to the full article.
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I think that whole area is affected by the ancient rail infrastructure that cuts it in half. If the tracks were converted into a subway it would open up a lot of space for other types of infrastructure. I’m not talking about the whole line, just from the river to National. Quite a bit of space is taken up by the tracks. The trains add significant noise, making residential in that area less desirable. And the height restrictions imposed by the bridges limits freight routes.
I could be wrong, but I believe the owner of the property on the SE corner is proposing a development that’s essentially a strip mall. If this is indeed true, it’s a huge lost opportunity.
Cars speed in this area because of it’s vast openness. It’s called induced speeding as there are no physical barriers to make one feel constrained.
Good ideas, among which is NOT another fourth-rate public sculpture.
I live right here in Walkers Point and I can’t help but say “YES! I agree with you 100% Rachel!!”
I have walked from Walkers Point to the Third Ward and have seen almost NO ONE else walking. What the heck?! Between the hottest spot in Milwaukee and Restaurant Row why in the heck am I the only one not in a car?!
We need to connect these two neighborhoods better and make it easier to access and support these local businesses. But, also need it to be safer. Walkers Point has been victim to a ridiculous amount of crime.
These ideas could help!
I say no to removing the rail infrastructure. It adds authentic character to the area and is part of it’s history and visual interest. Let’s keep it real and not sanitize the area to death. Too many bland modern structures already. The suggestions in the article are good ones. What eliminates “creepiness,” are actively occupied buildings and foot traffic.
I live a block from this intersection. First order of business is to slow the traffic, which races along S. 1st St. at all hours of the day and night. Morning rush hour into Downtown is the worst, but it is always bad. Street design can help slow traffic. See what the Third Ward Association did on Milwaukee St. Center islands with plantings. The Milwaukee Police Department could help by writing speeding tickets, particularly during the rush hours. A very visible enforcement effort is effective.
No more ticky tacky, cheap looking new construction. The Rumors Lounge and WHEDA buildings cheapen the character of the neighborhood. Hire a competent architect!
@Punxs Phil The building that Rumor Lounge is in was done by Vetter Denk, a very competent architect. And Rumor itself is a good looking bar. And regardless of firm that is a great looking building. The WHEDA building yeah not as much, but mainly because of the materials which is more related to the developer than the architect.
That said I’d like to see more street improvements as well. At least get rid of the high-speed turn lane as that is not a pedestrian friendly element at all.
Like Geoff said, the rails are important historically & aesthetically. They are the closest thing we have to the old elevated lines in other cities. If you don’t appreciate urban charm stay in Brookfield. I implore those in power not to allow any more generic strip malls! Walker’s Point doesn’t have a design commission which can result in awful structures that scar the area (Hallman Lindsey, WHEDA, etc.) Quality infill in this historic area like Rumors where vacant lots exist would be fantastic. The railroad underpass at Seeboth could be an awesome little outdoor gallery. If Karl Kopp ever followed through w/ his Italian restaurant in the 1871 brick bldg. at 106 W. Seeboth St. which he’s owned since 1984, that would certainly kick start quality development & rehab. The gas station Rachel mentioned is slated for removal. A high profile irregular parcel that needs the creativity of the likes of Vetter Denk. The rehab of the tall 1880’s cream brick bldg. visible beyond this lot has come to a standstill. All these pieces of Walker’s Points puzzle can be masterfully put together with the right guidance.
Third Ward/Walker’s Point needs a decently-sized grocery store like nobody’s business. After working in the Third Ward for three years, I can profess. Circle K is only good for alcohol and college food. The closest one to the north is the Metro Market all the way up in East Town, and the closest one to the south is aaaaaaaaall the way down by Outpost in the southern end of Bay View. How kickass would it be to have a Whole Foods or Sendik’s there? The Third Ward definitely has the clientele.
Cermak, which has a great supermarket on Miller Park Way, is interested in building a Walker’s Point grocery, but the available land is not properly zoned for that, and the city has resisted rezoning the parcel.
@Punxs Phil I think the issue with the Walker’s Point grocery store proposal is that the design was very suburban in nature. i.e. massive parking lot on the corner… With some design changes it could get done.
I agree with several others that the train tracks are definitely part of what gives the area it’s character. I have lived and worked in the area and I loved how the train tracks intermingle with the neighborhood. It gives it that big-time urban feel.
The author mentioned additional signage which I think is a great idea. Anything that can give it a better sense of place and make it seem more pedestrian and bike friendly will help spur people to move there and businesses to open there — which is what will really make the difference in the long run.
The vacant lots on the corners could be cheaply and easily converted into more useful and/or aesthetically pleasing places.
Maybe Growing Power could help turn the fenced lot into a small outdoor, urban gardening showcase and teaching location. Also, park a produce truck there at lunchtime in the summer – like a mini, mobile farmers market. Pedal a bit of fresh food for the Vince and Vanessa Vegans, Linda Locals, and Stuart Suit & Tie Office Break Guys.
In the winter, it’s just a peaceful, dormant planting plot with a simple walking path and a few benches/ vine trellises. Low cost – and much nicer than the current fenced in concrete jungle, which currently only seems to cage debris collages composed of old, discarded coffee cups and feather covered innards from decomposing seagulls.
Update: the 2 former service station(?) buildings on the southwest corner of this intersection are currently in the process of coming down. Crews have been making quick work on them since the beginning of this week – one is already down with the other appearing to be down in a day or so.
I don’t know if there are any immediate plans for this lot, as it is quite small and oddly shaped. Simply activating it would be an improvement in the interim.