Rags to Riches

The Historic Third Ward, a rags to riches story if there ever was one. Empty warehouse buildings, high crime rates, and generally run down; all attributes of the area 20 years ago. If we try to come up with attributes for the present the list looks quite different. Thriving public street life, economic incline, abundant retail and dinning options, as well as upscale housing. The revitalization and restoration of the district has created a great asset for the city of Milwaukee.

The majority of the success is due in part to the design guidelines set up for the Third Ward District. They successfully created an area that is varied but very cohesive at the same time. Example being the guideline where the building height can't be the same as an adjacent building, or the option for various architectural styles as long as the architectural composition of base, middle, and top remain constant. The strongest guideline I feel are the ones pertaining to continuing street edge and those contributing to public street life. They helped create an district meant for exploring. From window shopping to sitting outside while eating at a cafe, or just walking the Riverwalk you can't help but be engaged by your surroundings.

While no guidelines are perfect I do think these are a great example of what to do. They allow a district to grow while maintaining a level of continuity without feeling under stimulated. While it may not have preserved as much as some would have liked I feel it was for the benefit of the public. After all if you only preserve the past, how will we preserve our own history.