BACKGROUND
In 2016, civil unrest broke out in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee after a fatal police shooting rocked the community.
In the weeks following, community conversations identified the need for safe, welcoming neighborhood spaces, and certain leaders in the community decided to take matters into their own hands in order to foster change. In the hopes of moving forward — the idea for the Sherman Phoenix was born.
The Sherman Phoenix transformed the fire-damaged BMO Harris Bank building located at the eastern gateway to the Sherman Park neighborhood into high-quality space for small businesses-of-color offering diverse foods, wellness services and cultural activities. Updates to the neighborhood include much-needed community spaces to curate art exhibits, film showings, and cultural events.
Rising from the ashes and harnessing the spirit and assets of the neighborhood as a catalyst for unity, this is the Sherman Phoenix.
VISION
Our response to such wide spread community devastation was to respond to our neighbors by advancing a hope filled enterprise now know as the Sherman Phoenix. The Sherman Phoenix now host to 27 tenants and a pure reflection of possibility.
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The three main objectives for the project:
TRANSFORM
VACANT PROPERTY
The project transformed the fire-damaged BMO Harris Bank building into high quality commercial space for 29 small businesses offering prepared foods, wellness services, and arts & cultural activities.
SUPPORT
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
By providing mentorship and coaching, the project supports entrepreneurs of color to help them grow their businesses, generate jobs, and support the local economy.
