First, a brief introduction by Jim Roemer. I came late and only heard his
introduction of Professor Harvey Rabinowitz, UWM School of
Architecture. I did not count but I would estimate 50 attendees.
Professor Rabinowitz gave a 15 minute Power Point Presentation.
He pointed out the Silver Spring "icons" of Sendiks, Winkie's,
Starbucks, Bruegger's , Fox Bay Theater and the clock to be soon
repaired.
He reviewed the November 15, 2007 meeting when there was
discussion of a desire of a friendly street, retailer synergies, more
restaurants, additional residential opportunities, extended hours and
improved parking.
He envisioned the Silver Spring project to be completed in 3 - 8a
years. As he is a frequent visitor of New York and Manhattan he showed
examples of friendly business districts that gives one a "memorable
experience." He showed several of his favorite places that would be
great for Silver Spring. His favorite is
www.Zabars.com. Other were fancy supermarkets and a bagel place to name a few.
He expressed interest in a farmers market. He mentioned his
frequent visits to the West Allis Farmers Market. I could readily
relate to that as I was taken there by my parents when I was 2-3 years
of age; still go there many times in the summer and fall. The West
Allis Market does give one a "memorable experience." (I have even
uploaded photos of it on
www.westallisnow.com.)
He then turned the attendees to "brainstorming" sessions of the
Zita Block, Talbot's/Famous Footwear Block, Fitzgerald's/Associate
Bank/Parking Lots/Fox Bay area, Sendiks/ Masonic Lodge and
Winkie's/parking lot Area. Each session had one of Professor
Rabinowitz's students record and later report on comments and
suggestions.
Zita Block- not much discussion- possible multilevel housing above retail stores.
Talbot's Block- First Floor Retail-second floor
housing and/or business office space. A possible Garden Center. There
were some that expressed interest in a CVS and some were against it.
(As you know I am against a Aurora Clinic Building.) Some were for it.
I had the opportunity to discuss Aurora with a nice friendly Aurora
representative. She indicated they were only interested in a 3-6
physician office and not a 16 physician clinic that was mentioned
previously. I personally would not have any objection to Aurora or any
other groups having physician office space on the second floor, or in a
mall-like corridor behind frontal retail establishments.
Fox Bay Area -Fitzgerald's Property- Some were
for closing Consaul Place between Sendik's and the Fitzgerald Block. A
Restaurant as a anchor. Parking lot build up. Retail on street level.
Condos and office on second level. Fox Bay Theater brought up to date.
Have a green space area for kids to play when moms go shopping,
sporting goods store, bicycle shop.
Sendik's/Masonic Lodge Area- Move Sendik's closer
to Street. Eliminate parking in front of Sendik's with green space.
Enlarged Sendik's with modernization. Have Sendik's connect their main
building with the fish market building. Take over Masonic Lodge. I
heard that the Lodge has never been offered market value for it. The
Lodge must have an acceptable site to relocate. A farmer's market area
was also suggested. ( Not a good location in my opinion.) Parking.
Winkie's/Parking Lot-Furniture Store, Bicycle Store, Ice Cream Shop were suggested.
After the students gave their presentations Professor Rabinowitz
indicated that in the next 3-4 weeks he will digest all of the
suggestions and make a report.
There was then some discussion of how to accomplish the
revitalization of Silver Spring. Present owners to be involved and
their ideas respected. Community opinions. One person indicated that
developers do not have a favorable opinion about Whitefish Bay. I'm
sure after past experiences, with especially the Armory that this is
possibly correct. Professor Rabinowitz indicated that developers like
and expect competition but they also hope that they or at least someone
wins. (None won at the Armory). He indicated that there was competition
for the old hospital site in Shorewood and the Mandel group won and the
condos are now complete.
There was some concern that the Whitefish Bay web has been
down for a long time. Jim Grassman indicated that is will be up later
in March. Kathleen Pritchard thanked everyone for their participation.
Some wished that there could be more about Whitefish Bay in the
North Shore Now. Jim Roemer said he would talk to Jane Ford-Stewart
about this. (She called me today and I told her of this). I mentioned
www.whitefishbaynow.com and your Blog.
