THE STORY The 30th street industrial corridor, once a thriving industrial area and economic powerhouse, provided jobs and security to thousands of Milwaukee residents. In recent years however, several job creators along the corridor have been forced to close their doors, leaving huge parcels of land at the center of the city without purpose. These vacant and often contaminated properties form barriers between surrounding neighborhoods and quickly become urban blight due to lack of upkeep. What is to be done with these properties? In an area like the corridor, total redevelopment is often the best solution. The manufacturing industry is forever changed and industrial facilities such as the former Tower Automotive complex(figure 1) would never again be utilized for their original purpose and scale. These redevelopment efforts are tricky however, they should be approached carefully and need to involve all stakeholders to create projects that eliminate urban blight while retaining the rich industrial history of the corridor, have significant economic impact and create bridges between neighborhoods. THE STAKEHOLDERS The successful development of these parcels demands the cooperation and communication between primary stakeholders of a project. On a project such as the 30th street corridor these stakeholders would be the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, the city officials who are in charge of zoning/land use and the developers who put the project together. - The Residents Community involvement is crucial. Often, this involvement takes the form of non-for-profit organizations established by residents or local businesses. These NPOs represent the voice of the community and put forth revitalization efforts on multiple scales. In the case of the 30th street industrial corridor, one of these organizations is known as “The Corridor” click the link (here) to find out more about their organization and efforts. - The City Officials Because the city officials have final approval over any potential project within their municipality, they play an integral role in the process. A developer may approach with a well thought out proposal that would provide a valuable neighborhood service or amenity, however the current zoning would not allow that building type. It is the officials responsibility to consider the context of the project before passively saying that the zoning does not allow it. For example, a majority of the 30th street corridor (figure) 2 is zoned for industrial use, the likelihood that all of this will be used exclusively for industrial purposes again is low. The city officials and developer should coordinate their efforts to ensure a good project. City officials play an important role in brownfield redevelopment as well. Many of these old industrial sites may be contaminated from the process that occurred there for decades. The officials need to be aware an monitor any development that my disturb this contaminated ground in a way that causes a health hazard to the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. The city may also does its part by establishing Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) or Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts that incentivize new development and businesses. Check out a list of Milwaukee’s BIDs (here). - The Developer Although the primary objective for most developers is to create an economically feasible project, that does not need to exclude projects that are socially equitable to the community or environmentally sustainable. In fact, one could argue that projects that involve more work on the front end (planning and design phase) are more successful and perhaps more profitable. For example, If a developer or designer does their diligence to evaluate the needs/desires of the community and plans accordingly they may encounter fewer issues getting project approval from the city/residents reducing expense do to major change orders or fees. Businesses or residents would achieve total occupancy quicker because of the proper market research and evaluation.
ON THE BOARDS CENTURY CITY New industrial complex with higher number of smaller facilities that accommodate new market demands. more info here
THE COMMUNITY WITHIN THE CORRIDOR Former industrial complex being rezoned and redeveloped as mixed use (apartments and commercial space). more info here
WASHINGTON PARK TOWNHOMES Former Esser Paint site rezoned as residential. more info here
Sources: Zupan, S., & Holifield, Ryan. (2010). Assessing Environmental Justice and Opportunities for Community Change: Brownfields Redevelopment in Milwaukee's Inner-city Neighborhoods, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.
Boyce, D., Wellhoefer, Jon, Planning Design Institute, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, & Sewrpc. (2008). Action plan for the revitalization of the 30th Street industrial corridor, city of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin / prepared by Dan Boyce and Jon Wellhoefer with assistance from Planning and Design Institute for Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. (Community assistance planning report ; no. 304).