Walnut Way leading the way with second phase of Commons project in Lindsay Heights

I would like to congratulate Walnut Way Conservation Corp, a neighborhood-based nonprofit known for its innovative work in economic and environmental health and wellness, and their leadership for cutting the ribbon this week on the second phase of the Innovations & Wellness Commons (“The Commons”) project located at 1609 W. North Ave.

The first phase of The Commons is a nationally-recognized model for pioneering community health and wellness programming, and the second phase will expand on this vision. The total project is a 17,200 sq. ft. $3.3 million commercial mixed-use development, aimed to meet community health needs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen social connectivity in the community. The Commons includes solar panel + battery storage and several energy efficiency and storm water management features. Walnut Way’s social enterprise, Blue Skies Landscaping, installed environmentally sustainable features on the rooftop terrace and parking lot to help mitigate storm water.

The second phase of the project is a new construction 5,470 square foot 1.5 story building built on the parking lot adjacent to phase one. Phase two includes street level commercial space, second floor offices, and a 2,000 square foot rooftop terrace overlooking W. North Ave. The tenants of phase two include an array of agencies providing services including mental health counseling, nutrition, and recovery. The Milwaukee Area Health Education Centers, United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee, the Benedict Center Sisters Program, Perseverance Health and Wellness by Bridgett Wilder, Living Well by Marrika Rodgers, and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) University Scholars Honors Program are scheduled to move in by the end of the year.

The innovation and ingenuity that has come from Walnut Way and Executive Director Antonio Butts, are exactly what we need to develop our neighborhoods and communities. Promoting environmental initiatives and community development will create growth in Milwaukee that is desperately needed to support families, develop educational programs, and even create new economic opportunities. It is so important that we all support organizations like Walnut Way because they put our communities at the forefront of their agenda, and donating time, resources, or funds to them will directly impact the neighborhoods that we live in.

I encourage all of you to take a moment to research Walnut Way, if you have not already heard of them, to learn a little more about their projects and initiatives that are happening in your neighborhoods. They truly make a huge difference in our communities, and I cannot begin to thank them enough for their services.

Once again, congratulations to Walnut Way, Antonio Butts, and everyone who has worked with Walnut way to make these dreams and projects come true. I am excited to see the prosperity the second phase of The Commons brings to our community, and I look forward to seeing what is in store for the future.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.