Villard Avenue Business District
One area that continues to interest me is Villard Avenue. The Villard Avenue Business Improvement District continues to strive to retain its vibrance. This area seems to be in a continual state of “almost improving”. Every couple years a revitalization effort is started, yet no significant changes have been seen. That is both good and bad. On the “bad” side – they haven’t drawn any big businesses or massive investment. On the “good” side, businesses are staying and customers are still coming! The main street was improved significantly by the city a couple years back, which gives the area a very nice touch.
I have a photo here from last winter, showing some of the small businesses. The area between 34th street to 37th street is constantly busy. The businesses draw a steady stream of traffic. Finding parking on the street is usually tough, but the BID maintains a customer parking lot right in the middle of things. There is also a city lot just off the main drag on 35th street.
As you could imagine from the traffic, available retail space can be filled quickly. With a little effort, I had several businesses clamoring for available space. With strong lease rates! Offering to work with the potential tenants on layouts/renovation was a big plus, as many of them were expanding or just getting started. The residential units are easy to fill too. This neighborhood has a lot of pride in keeping things up and many residents are proud to have spent their lives here!
For a little history on this area and some of the efforts for revitalization check out these links:
1998: http://www2.jsonline.com/news/sunday/real/0104villard.stm “Villard Ave. making a comeback”
2003: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=120379 “Revival on Villard”
I have a photo here from last winter, showing some of the small businesses. The area between 34th street to 37th street is constantly busy. The businesses draw a steady stream of traffic. Finding parking on the street is usually tough, but the BID maintains a customer parking lot right in the middle of things. There is also a city lot just off the main drag on 35th street.As you could imagine from the traffic, available retail space can be filled quickly. With a little effort, I had several businesses clamoring for available space. With strong lease rates! Offering to work with the potential tenants on layouts/renovation was a big plus, as many of them were expanding or just getting started. The residential units are easy to fill too. This neighborhood has a lot of pride in keeping things up and many residents are proud to have spent their lives here!
For a little history on this area and some of the efforts for revitalization check out these links:
1998: http://www2.jsonline.com/news/sunday/real/0104villard.stm “Villard Ave. making a comeback”
2003: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=120379 “Revival on Villard”
posted by Pete | 9:31:00 PM
3 Comments:
If you like Villard you should see about buying 4714 W VILLARD AVE from the current irresponsible owner. Over the years the tenants he has allowed have been a big part of the degradation of this neighborhood.
Thanks for the tip! With a couple minutes research, the current owner bought that house for $16k back in 2000. I'll drive past, and maybe give the owner a call. One thing you can do if the property is an issue is call the Milwaukee DCD (dept of community development). They may be able to help if the place is neglected. Any broken windows, obvious leaks, or safety issues?
One thing I didn't mention. One of the best way to handle one problem house is through neighborhood activism! Join up with your neighbors in a block program. Several areas have done this, and it is often more successful than just getting a new landlord!
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