I’ve lived on Milwaukee’s Riverwalk for years, so it’s fitting that I mark today’s milestone. The Riverwalk turns 20 today. Its idea is a bit older, and its success has been amazing.
Nearly $2 billion in added property value and in just the last ten years, the Milwaukee River has seen 12 new residential developments with a combined total of 1,150 units. And, more are on the way. Add to this the still somewhat new Aloft Hotel, the relocation of Manpower Group’s world headquarters to a riverfront location and the recently announced $30 million renovation of Schlitz Park, and you gotta marvel at how a small luncheon meeting of Downtown executives in the summer of 1991 resulted in making the area the strongest development corridor in the state.
Other highlights? I must mention the Bronze Fonz. Love him or just dealing with him, he’s a destination and true reason to snap a photo on the Riverwalk. Accessibility is another highlight. Finally, the entire run along the Riverwalk is becoming accessible. New ramps and a new mini lift by the Bronze Fonz make the Riverwalk available for everyone.
And, of course, today there also are nearly twenty bars and restaurants on the Riverwalk. Everything from Rock Bottom Brewery to Water Buffalo. Of course this Downtown resident is still waiting for an ice cream or custard shop. Anyone?
So, as former Mayor John Norquist receives the first annual Daniel Burnham Visionary Award tonight, raise a glass and thank him, Gary Grunau and countless others for an idea that’s made our city much, much better. And, while you're at don't miss the Milwaukee River Challenge this weekend. It's a great event to watch from anywhere on the Riverwalk.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
