MILWAUKEE, WI – Clark Dietz is pleased to partner with the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on the constructing of the Vel R. Phillips Plaza.
The Milwaukee Common Council approved an amendment that will provide $15,750,000 for the construction of the 30,000-foot plaza, including a 2,900 square foot food and beverage retail space. Included in the financing package is $4.35 million for lighting improvements and infrastructure. The plaza will also include a manicured garden, flexible purpose space for community events, public art installations, and a new bus station for Milwaukee County’s Bus Rapid Transit Lane.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson of Milwaukee signed a resolution on April 24th, 2023, approving funding for the construction of the project. On Friday, July 21st, Mayor Johnson and Milwaukee leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of the new public plaza.
The plaza is planned to be located between N. 5th Street and Vel Phillips Avenue.
Vel Phillips passed away in 2018 but made many revolutionary strides during her life. An active leader in pushing for social justice, education, and equal opportunity, Phillips was the first female judge in Milwaukee County, the first African American judge in Wisconsin, the first woman elected to the Milwaukee Common Council, and the first woman to hold the office of Secretary of State in Wisconsin.
City leaders plan to have the plaza open by July 2024.
