As the city works to revitalize the Sherman Park neighborhood more than 20 new businesses are signed up to be apart of the new Sherman Phoenix Project at the former BMO Harris Bank.
The bank burned during 2016 civil unrest after Syville Smith was shot and killed by former Milwaukee Police Officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown in August of that year.
It’ll be a diverse group, from restaurants to a fitness center. Joanna Brooks, owner of Embody Yoga is enthusiastic about the new era of success coming to Sherman Park.
“I think we’re here for the long haul,” she said. “It’s excitement, it’s an honor. I’ll be in great company.”
Sherman Phoenix is set to open in the fall of 2018.
Milwaukee Business Journal reporter Melanie Lawder has been exclusively talking to business owners over the last few months, she says the crowd of entrepreneurs are honored to move in.
“There’s going to be restaurants, yoga studio, creative art space. Fitness studio’s as well a wide array of other services and amenities that are going to be offered,” Lawder said. “They’re viewing this as something that could be transformative and catalytic for the neighborhood.”
A neighborhood that’ll continue to rise from the ashes.
“A huge part of this will be engagement of the community, giving them the opportunity to take pride, to take ownership in what’s happening here and I think that’s very meaningful,” said Brooks.
On Tuesday there will be a big event revealing all of the businesses who’ll be moving in. The cost of this project costs $3.5 million. Organizers are still looking to raise at least another $1 million.
If you would like to donate visit the Sherman Phoenix website.
