2022 Mayor’s Design Awards Announced

A Milwaukee tradition now spanning three mayors is in its 25th year. The winners of the annual Mayor’s Design Awards were announced Thursday by Mayor Cavalier Johnson and the Department of City Development.

“For 25 years, Milwaukee has witnessed tremendous growth and activity. New buildings, outdoor spaces, attractions, and landscaping add to the fabric of our neighborhoods,” said Johnson in a statement announcing the winners. “These awards celebrate the innovative efforts that make our city a great place to live, work, and have fun. I am excited to recognize these deserving projects that showcase the power of urban design to build stronger communities and move Milwaukee forward.”

The awards range from small, public art installations to new buildings like a northwest side high school and Bay View condominiums. At least one project in all 15 aldermanic districts was recognized.

An in-person ceremony, the first in two years, will be held May 18 at the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning.

The awards program began under Mayor John Norquist and was continued by Tom Barrett. The 2022 awards are the first under Johnson.

Reflecting the always evolving nature of the awards, winners were named in four categories: Spaces and Places, Test of Time, Neighborhood Renaissance and Vibrant Corridors. Missing from last year are the categories of Small Gems and Filled In.

Spaces and Places

The following projects have found unique opportunities to contribute to the character of their neighborhoods and have made their streets and public spaces more attractive and inviting by engaging the public, enhancing public infrastructure, and creating meaningful community spaces for all to enjoy.

• Visual Vibes on Villard Public Art – Villard Avenue Business Improvement District
• Brady Beach at Nomad World Pub – 1668 N. Warren Ave. –   Mike Eitel and The Kubala Washatko Architects
• Northwestern Mutual Community Park – Henry Maier Festival Grounds – Eppstein Uhen Architects / raSmith
• Painting the Near West Side Murals – Various Artists
• La Placita & Pandemic Memorial – S. Cesar Chavez Dr., near W. National Ave. – Various Artists
• Historic Highway 41 Bus Stops – S. 27th St. and W. Ohio Ave. – Ryan Laessig
• Tiefenthaler Park Community Center – 2501 W. Galena St. – HGA
• Franklin Square Playfield and North Division High School Green Infrastructure – 2643 N. 13th St. – Zimmerman Architectural Studios

Test of Time

The following projects have added value to the city by restoring or reusing their properties in a way that preserves and enhances the character of their neighborhoods and reinforces the traditional neighborhood fabric. These projects will help to preserve the city’s built environment and architectural legacy for future generations.

• Oriental Theatre Revitalization – 2230 N. Farwell Ave. – The Kubala Washatko Architects
• Central Standard Craft Distillery Crafthouse – 320 E. Clybourn St. – HGA
• Milwaukee Soldiers Home (Old Main) – 515 N. General Mitchell Blvd. – Ramlow/Stein Architecture + Interiors – Alexander Company
• Eagleknit Innovation Hub – 507 S. 2nd St. – Gensler
• 37th Street School – 1715 N. 37th St. – Landon Bone Baker Architects

Neighborhood Renaissance

The following projects have added value to the city by providing new or improved options for neighborhood housing, or by adding or improving cultural, educational, or other community amenities that strengthen neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for residents.

• Westlawn Renaissance III – 5545 N. 66th St. – 6525 W. Silver Spring Dr. – Eppstein Uhen Architects
• Hmong American Peace Academy New High School – 4601 N. 84th St. – Continuum Architects + Planners
• Amani Block by Block – Amani Neighborhood
• United Community Center Ricardo Diaz Early Learning Academy – 2130 W. Becher St. – JAKnetter Architects
• THIRTEEN31 Place – 1331 W. National Ave. – Arc-Int Architecture
• Bay View Point Condominiums – 2100 block of S. Aldrich St. – Ryan Scott Development – RPY Architecture

Vibrant Corridors

The following projects are revitalizing the city’s commercial corridors by constructing or restoring their properties in a pedestrian-friendly way that activates the public realm, adds new housing or employment opportunities, and adds to the vibrancy and diversity of our commercial districts.

• AN OX Cafe – 7411 W. Hampton Ave – Peine Design
• The Avenue – 3rd Street Market Hall – 275 W. Wisconsin Ave. – The Kubala Washatko Architects
• 321 Jefferson – 321 N. Jefferson St. – RINKA
• Schlitz Park – RINKA
• On The Mill/Cream City Boxing  – 5132 W. Mill Rd. – Kirby Lockett
• Adams Garden Park – 1836 W. Fond du Lac Ave – Mayer-Helminiak Architects

Note: The design awards announcement did not include the designers. Where possible Urban Milwaukee has included the designer or design firm from past reporting or permit records.