CNI2022-01-20T11:35:30-06:00

Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI)

On September 10, 2018, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded Marquette University and Near West Side Partners a $1.3 million Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) grant to create a locally-driven, comprehensive strategy to transform the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee’s College Court development and the surrounding neighborhood into an inclusive community of opportunity where people want to live, work, and play.

Following a two-year process of input and community consideration and in partnership with Marquette University, Near West Side Partners completed the Near West Side Transformation Plan in early 2021.

This plan outlines several strategies to immediately improve aspects of the community and sets aside $950,000 for those strategies, known as “Action Activities.” More on those Action Activities below.

Action Activities Updates

Painting The Near West Side

The Near West Side will gain eight new public art installations in 2021 via “Painting the Near West Side.” Currently, artists and building owners are working together to install murals. 

Interested in learning more about our mural artists? Check out these video bios from Brad Anthony Bernard, Brandon Minga, Byada Meredith, Fred Kaems, and Rosy Petri.

Neighborhood Gateway Markers

These markers, highly visible symbols of pride in the Near West Side’s history and character, will designate each neighborhood and its connection to the overall Near West Side.

The New State Music Park

The music park is the first phase of THE NEW STATE development. The park will be a place for neighbors to gather to hear live music and enjoy each other’s company outside. Look for programming to begin in Summer 2021!

Traffic Calming Planters

To simultaneously curb reckless driving and beautify the neighborhood, 22 large concrete flower planters were installed along North 27th Street.

Storefront Improvement Program

Twelve participants in the Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) will be getting a building facelift with new designs and facade improvements to better represent the beautiful, innovative business coming out of the community.

“Fats Triangle”

NWSP will work to redevelop the triangle median at North 35th and West State Streets. Public art and new landscaping will turn this median, known as “Fats Triangle” into a beautiful pocket park.

Questions? Feedback? Ideas?

We’re here to answer your questions.

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