Today, Cathedral Square Friends, Inc., the local all-volunteer, non-profit organization that is responsible for bringing hanging flower baskets back to the square for the first time in over a decade, is proposing its biggest improvement project to date. This new proposal will focus on enhancing the exterior of Cathedral Square.

Since 2017, Cathedral Square Friends has raised over $40,000 for its ever-expanding program of bringing colorful, hanging flower baskets back to the square. And in 2018 the Friends worked with KEI, East Town Association, Milwaukee Downtown BID 21, and Milwaukee County Parks to re-sod a portion of the park.

This proposal is a streetscaping project that is the first phase of a group of master-planned improvements to Cathedral Square. Cathedral Square Friends is coordinating the proposal with Milwaukee Downtown BID 21, East Town Association, the City of Milwaukee, and Milwaukee County Parks to enhance the public space adjacent to the square in a manner that engages all parts of the community. Like most streetscaping projects, the improvements are located in the city right-of-way.

“For years Cathedral Square has been in need of repairs and upgrades, and this is the next step towards the revitalization of the square,” said Cathedral Square Friends President Dave Reid.

The perimeter plays an important role as it connects the square to residential, commercial, and civic uses in the neighborhood.

“The square’s border is visible to park users, residents, business owners, and passersby, so it sets the tone for the square and Jefferson Street,” said Reid. “And each summer residents from all across Milwaukee come to Cathedral Square to enjoy Jazz in the Park and Bastille Days, which makes this an improvement that all Milwaukeeans can enjoy for decades to come.”

In this proposal, existing perimeter sidewalk and most curbs would be removed and replaced with a completely new streetscape. The project will incorporate existing trees where possible and add trees where needed. Base planting, benches, trash receptacles, and many of the elements found in a typical streetscaping project will be incorporated. Some utilities will be adjusted to ensure better access to the square. The Friends and its professional design team will work with the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Milwaukee County Parks, and neighborhood stakeholders in the design process.

“These improvements will make the neighborhood more attractive to local business and neighborhood residents alike,” added Reid.

This phase of improvements is not intended to change the center of the square.

The project will be designed to easily and flexibly fit with various options in future phases inside the actual square that will arise from community-based master planning, as well as meshing with other public projects in the area and existing uses of the square.

If the funding the Friends are requesting is approved by the Common Council on March 3rd, construction could start as early as this fall, with design occurring in spring and summer. Community engagement would likely occur around the end of May to showcase designs and options involved with the project.

About Cathedral Square Friends, Inc.

The mission of Cathedral Square Friends is to support, maintain, and enhance Cathedral Square as a historic public gathering place. Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.