CREATIVE
PLACEMAKING
MISSION: Using arts, culture and space to bring economic development to the community, from outside and within Harambee and Riverwest.
WHAT WE DO: We work with community residents, businesses and other stakeholders to build power within the community through the creation and utilization of public spaces. Using art and culture, we build bridges across generations, cultures, ethnicities and neighborhoods. In collaboration with other non-profit organizations and community groups, we seek to foster social cohesion in our district.
WHO WE SERVE: Our focus is Harambee and Riverwest, however we serve the entire Milwaukee community.
Riverworks is always looking for residents, businesses and other partners to help volunteer for our annual events and projects.
If you want to get involved, fill out the volunteer form to sign-up and stay up to date on our volunteer opportunities.
Become a volunteer!
We have tons of opportunities!
Get
Involved
Get
Involved
Events &
Programming
Are you interested in using the Beerline Trail for an activity or event?
EVENTS & Programming
Riverworks plans and programs events to activate underused spaces in partnership with community residents, businesses, the City of Milwaukee and other community organizations.
Events range from bike programs to Music on the Beerline Trail (BLT). Our goal is to increase nutritional, financial and educational well-being of the communities we serve.
If you are looking to plan an event or organize a program contact Ruth Weill for more information.
Are you interested in using the Beerline Trail for an activity or event?
Working with the Kresge Foundation through their Freshlo project, combined with extensive feedback from Harambee and Riverwest residents, Riverworks started the 53212 Marketplace.
The 53212 Marketplace is held in Riverworks' Beerline Plaza located right on the Beerline Trail (BLT). With low cost vending fees, startups have been able to launch their businesses and connect with essential business resources and opportunities.
Our ultimate goal is to create a permanent structure that will house the marketplace, a commercial kitchen and community gathering space for residents.
For more information contact Ruth Weill.
Where entrepreneurs come to network, start and grow their business.
53212
marketplace
53212
marketplace
Where entrepreneurs come to network, start and grow their business.
Beerline Trail
(BLT)
Former rail turned community asset, the Beerline Trail now connects
neighborhoods and businesses.
Beerline Trail (BLT)
What was once a train route for Wisconsin beer distribution, a Riverworks led initiative transformed this railline into a recreational trail.
The Beerline Trail is a catalyst for economic prosperity, workforce development, health and creativity. The trail will now be home to a major linear park development. Thanks to community input and design work by famous landscape architect, Hood Design Studios out of Oakland, CA., the park will feature amenities such as a performance stage, grilling areas, exercise and playground space among other things. With organizational and community partners, the BLT will become a premier destination in the city of Milwaukee.
Clusters of creative maker spaces and community assets surround these two creative corridors.
Creative
Corridors
creative
Corridors
Fratney Street: As the City of Milwaukee moves to implement a bike boulevard along Fratney from Mieneke to Keefe Ave, Riverworks looks to redesign Fratney from Keefe to Capitol, highlighting creative businesses and promoting a more pedestrian friendly environment for the ever changing industrial mixed-use area.
Richards Street: Growing in excitement, Richards Street is an up and coming entrepreneurial hot spot, with great proximity to the Beerline Trail. Riverworks intends to redesign Richards Street to encourage a safe, comfortable and vibrant corridor.