The sidewalk areas passing under I-794 between the Historic Third Ward and Downtown are dark, gloomy and uninspiring.  

Some may say that’s what freeways and sidewalks are.  They are, if you will, what they are.  Yet this passage way serves as the main gateway between Downtown proper and the Third Ward.  It’s used daily by residents, workers and visitors.  

Even on the brightest and most beautiful day, it’s gloomy.  At night, it’s (of course) even darker and intimidating for many.

Design matters.  Always.  And while there’s been some thought and idea making around how to improve this eyesore there’s been no movement.  Things happen as they should, I know, but it’s time to do something to better activate this dank space.  

Greg Patin from the City of Milwaukee tells me that a recent design contest to "brighten the passage," has momentum and that the City has been "working with WISDOT at regular meeting trying to get the concepts incorporated into the design of the new replacement freeway."  Patin added that he’s "hoping (for) significant impact.  This is good news. 

My thoughts?  Add lighting, a public park, swings (like here), painting, public art, mini soccer fields. dodge ball fields, creative outdoor patios.  Anything, really, would make this area more attractive.

I love Downtown and the Third Ward.  Yet, better connections will help both continue to grow.

Kanye West continued his creative kick Friday night in Downtown Milwaukee and 21 other North American cities by projecting images of himself singing his latest single "New Slaves" on a building near Catalano Square in the Third Ward.   

The artist showcased projections from his latest release "Yezzus"  in 22 different locations across North America, including Oakland, Brooklyn, Chicago and Montreal, as well as a number of places across Europe; including Dublin, Copenhagen, Berlin, Amsterdam, London, Brussels and Paris. 

It was a cool way to promote his new release and generate buzz.  

Video projections also were slated for other Downtown Milwaukee locations but several people reported that they didn’t happen as the Milwaukee Police Department shut them down.  Similar shut downs happened in other cities too.

I reached out to the MPD via Twitter for comment, but haven’t heard back.  

Several people reported that the projection in the Third Ward was aired to a receptive, "chill" and well behaved crowd.  

If you saw the Kayne projections, use the talkbacks to tell us about it.  

I shared this last night on Twitter, but want to again urge you to check out the America 360 "Milwaukee Week" content within NationalJournal's "The Next Economy" section.

All week, Milwaukee’s been featured in a number of stories and photo galleries. The Next Economy and its America 360 series is a joint project of The Atlantic and National Journal. It explores, in its words, "an uncertain new era." 

Reporter Sophie Quniton tackles several topics including Milwaukee’s future with water, the decline of traditional manufacturing jobs, the Lindsay Heights neighborhood and more. Important stuff, for sure.

Read it and share it.

It’s Downtown Dining Week, and we’re honored to once again be a proud partner. In fact, we’ve been a partner in this great event since day one.

Oddly, though, popsicles are on my mind. Not a single place on this year’s list has a popsicle as its dessert item. Because, who doesn’t love popsicles? In fact, the gourmet, "artisanal" – if you will – popsicle is taking off as a dessert of choice in many restaurants and hotels around the county.

We have several great homemade ice creams, custards and gelatos in Milwaukee. But who makes a great, custom popsicle? Yes, we have La Michoacana and its tasty paletas.  But I’m ready for a summer of creative popsicles at area restaurants.

Who is with me? And where can we find a great popsicle in our city?