755 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 info@cathedralsquarefriends.org 414-982-5721
Construction of the We Energies vault on N. Jefferson Street. Photo by Dave Reid.

Why is the Sidewalk Ripped Up?

After months of planning, and with the coordinated efforts of dozens of people, the first physical evidence of the “Frame the Square” undertaking is underway. It is a small, but significant, step toward the complete improvement of the perimeter of Cathedral Square Park that will take place beginning next spring.

For the last year or so, there has been a safety cone on the sidewalk on N. Jefferson Street near E. Wells Street. The cone was placed over a broken grate on a crumbling utility vault to warn pedestrians of the danger of walking there. Now, through the efforts of We Energies, the cone is gone, and the vault is being rebuilt. A second vault along E. Wells Street will also be rebuilt .

Once these are complete, it will allow paving material to be installed flush with the new vaults from the grass at the edge of the park to the curb when work starts in the spring. New trees will be planted, some diseased trees will be replaced, new bike racks and benches will be installed, and other enhancements will take place.

It is exciting to see the first step being taken on the project that will beautify the border of the Square. We will continue to keep you updated as the work progresses.

In addition to moving ahead with “Frame the Square,” our colorful flower baskets will return in 2021. If you’d like to help bring the baskets back, you can make a donation here.

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