Juli Kaufmann and JoAnn Sabir, co-owners of Fix Development, are currently working on the Sherman Phoenix, 3637 W. Fond du Lac Ave., a high-quality commercial space for small businesses that will offer mentorship and coaching.

The building, which will will open to the public in the fall of 2018, has a three-part mission: to transform a vacant property, support entrepreneurship and build community wealth. The Sherman Phoenix will house 17 small businesses and provide more than 75  jobs.

Tenants range in services from food to culture to wellness and are listed here. (Please note The Pizza Place is now called Sauce and Spice; The Uprising Cafe is now called Shindig Cafe and Paint and Sip is called Vibe Creative Arts Space.)

"We have just a very limited amount of space left," says Kaufmann. "We are nearly full."

The building was built in the 1920s as Sherman Park State Bank and was used only as a bank until now, most recently by BMO Harris Bank. In 2016, during the civil uprising following a police shooting in Sherman Park, the building was burned and significantly damaged. 

Hence the name Phoenix. 

"The Sherman Phoenix will reimagine this historic hub of commerce, creating a new space where members of the community can own businesses, employ neighbors and shop for goods, services and experience joy and goodness right in their neighborhood," says Kaufmann.

Kaufmann and Sabir have raised nearly $3.5 million and continue to raise funds through crowdfunding equity and donations. Check the website for more information.

"To date we have more than 50 neighbor-level investors and more than 100 donors," says Kaufmann. "We believe this will be a cultural destination for the region and can't wait to open."