Downtown Plaza Proposal

DOWNTOWN PLAZA - S. 72ND ST - NORTH OF W. GREENFIELD AVE.

Walter Holtz, the owner of the property at 7140 W. Greenfield Ave., has submitted a vision and supporting documentation to the City's Economic Development Department indicating he would like to create a shared-use Downtown Plaza within the right-of-way (ROW) area on S. 72 St., north of W. Greenfield Ave., to the southern border of the alley.  

The goal of this request is to create a plaza that would function as a public gathering space for the downtown. The Downtown BID would be able to use the space for programming during parades, City, and BID-organized events. The space could also be utilized for weeknight summer events such as small-scale acoustic or low-amplified music performances. The Deco, an event venue currently under construction at the east end of the proposed plaza, would like to partner with the BID to help activate the space by using the space during wedding season (April-October) on Fridays and Saturdays and providing beverage service for City/BID events. In exchange, the Deco would pay for all improvements and provide seating for the plaza. 

Initially, the plaza could be built temporarily. Planters and/or barricades could be used to close the space to vehicular traffic. If a pilot period is successful, permanent improvements could be installed. 

Overall the concept is very similar to what has been done between Kegel’s and Public Table, although Mr. Holtz has indicated that given his market for upscale weddings within his space, it would be an upscale version of what we see between Public Table and Kegel’s.

The City's Planning and Economic Development teams support this effort. Adding public space in our downtown will encourage people to spend more time in the downtown, improves the pedestrian experience and traffic flow along Greenfield Ave., provides opportunities for the BID and local businesses, and will help make West Allis a destination - all without using City funds. 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Download the vision, general area plan, and answers to some basic operational questions.

• Downtown Plaza Vision/Render (PDF)
• Street Closure Render (PDF)
• FAQ (PDF)

FAQs

• Q: Maintenance Responsibilities. Who maintains the space?
  A: The Deco would maintain the outdoor space on a daily basis and be fully responsible for any and all activities in that space.
• Q: Scheduling the usage of the space. How do you plan to schedule out events?
  A: Not only does The Deco want to be a part of activities that are scheduled within West Allis such as car shows, A La Carte, restaurant showcases, and other West Allis activities outside their typical wedding venue, they also want to dedicate at least one day a week to small versions of entertainment such as light jazz music and acoustics during the spring, summer and fall from 5 - 10 p.m. during the week.
• Q: Feedback. What happens if you receive a complaint?
  A: As far as complaints, The Deco takes any and all complaints seriously, and would personally address and rectify any complaints received. The ultimate goal is to make this an uplifting experience for West Allis and the neighborhood.
• Q: Insurance. How would the space be ensured? 
  A: The Deco would carry insurance that would be satisfactory to West Allis and have a rider policy added to current insurance.
• Q: Licensing. What would you carry?
• A: The area would follow under the same full alcohol licensing for the outdoor space as we have in The Deco venue.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, CONCERNS

For questions, comments or concerns, please email development@westalliswi.gov.