Community voices helped bring ThriveOn King to life
More than five years ago, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation embarked upon a new collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin and Royal Capital with a singular vision: Creating a Milwaukee that is equitable, healthy and thriving for all.
Our plan, in addition to intentionally investing in the surrounding neighborhoods across a variety of interest areas, was to have that vision physically manifested through ThriveOn King, a 450,000-square-foot building once home to Gimbels-Schuster’s Department Store.
The building was a blank canvas brimming with possibilities. Through an ongoing partnership with neighborhood residents, we’ve created a space together that materially addresses the community’s top priorities of social cohesion, economic opportunity, housing, early childhood education and health and wellness. The change is catalytic and tangible today.
Social cohesion
After more than 50 years since it was home to one of the area’s largest department stores, the restored building has become a destination once again in Milwaukee’s Historic King Drive District. Gathering spaces throughout the first floor were made for all to enjoy — whether for an awards luncheon, community baby shower, business breakfast or neighborhood meeting. African American community leaders will receive a lasting tribute through the naming of public spaces by generous donors. A variety of artwork from more than 20 Milwaukee artists creates a unique sense of place, celebrating the rich history as well as the bright future
of Bronzeville.
Economic Opportunity
Residents envisioned the opportunity for ThriveOn King to invest in the economic well-being of the community. In addition to relocating its headquarters to the building, the Foundation made $11.5 million in impact investments in the development, and, together with donor support, helped fund many aspects of project. Between the Foundation, MCW and first floor occupants, in total more than 340 people work in the building. On the first floor, JobsWork MKE, a nonprofit focused on workforce development, connects individuals to jobs and helps adults overcome barriers to gainful employment, assisting them with financial planning, job advancement, spiritual support and more.
Housing
The Bronzeville area has a rich history of homeownership and long-term residents who wish to remain a part of the fabric of the community. The Residences at ThriveOn King offers opportunities to do so. Ninety affordable and market-rate apartments are under construction, 27 of which have been set aside for adults 55 and older. Additional units are available for students in MCW’s Health Equity Scholars Program, which aims to address health and health care disparities in Wisconsin.
Early Childhood Education
About half of Milwaukee’s children lack access to quality, affordable early childhood care and education. Neighborhood residents expressed the need in particular for better educational options for infants and toddlers. ThriveOn Collaboration selected 5-star rated Malaika Early Learning Center as the flagship provider for ThriveOn King, offering 70 spots for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The center also will serve as a teaching resource, offering training sessions to help other centers and educators improve safety practices and create stimulating environments for young learners.
Health and wellness
Access to nutritious food and access to jobs consistently ranked among neighbors’ highest identified priorities during our visioning process and ongoing engagement. Two anchor tenants are fulfilling those needs. Kinship Café, run by Kinship Community Food Center, brings healthy food options and an innovative workforce training program for residents encountering barriers to employment. Versiti is connecting with a diverse community on a deeper level through its space. It collects blood donations, provides access to job skill training and employment opportunities and educates about sickle cell disease and other diseases affecting communities of color.