It’s back!
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service is collaborating with Historic Milwaukee for a second installment of “Neighborhood Gems: Behind the Scenes,” taking place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29.
The free digital event, part of Doors Open 2021, will feature five-minute “lightning round” presentations from seven community projects, using multimedia and storytelling to share their backstory.
You can sign up to join the event in Zoom or watch the Facebook Live stream on our Facebook page. You can also stream 2020’s Neighborhood Gems event here.
In the lead up, we’re publishing mini-features on the projects, including the Innovation & Wellness Commons: Phase II and Newline Community Café.


The Innovations & Wellness Commons: Phase II features a 2,000 square foot rooftop terrace that overlooks North Avenue. (Photo provided by Walnut Way)
Innovations & Wellness Commons: Phase II
Building on the first phase completed in 2015, the second phase of the Innovations & Wellness Commons (1609 W. North Ave.) continues Walnut Way Conservation Corp’s major investment on North Avenue. Equipped with cutting edge green technology, the building is designed to meet community health needs, stimulate economic growth and strengthen social connectivity. Current and future tenants include community organizations working in mental health counseling, nutrition, recovery and more.
This presentation will be given by Antonio Butts, executive director of Walnut Way Conservation Corp.


Students from Escuela Verde are training to work as baristas at Newline Community Café, which is located next door to their school. (Photo provided by Newline Community Café)
Newline Community Cafe
Newline Community Cafe (3618 W. Pierce St.) is a coffee shop and community event space run by students and staff of Escuela Verde, a charter high school in the Silver City neighborhood. Formerly Velobahn Cycle and Coffee, the cafe opened in June. The school-based enterprise is a vehicle for classroom assignments and workshops, with students earning credit — and eventually income — as they take on the operations of the business.
This presentation will be given by student baristas of Newline Community Cafe as well as advisers Jeremy Ault and Sarah Luther.
Leave a Reply