Riverfront, south from Wells Stret Bridge, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

That was then.  (Postmark is September 29, 1941)

From Retiring Guy's postcard collection

This is now.  (Google Maps)

Department of City Development, City of Milwaukee

In March of 1988, former Mayor John Norquist committed to change the way Milwaukee viewed its waterways. The City announced the Riverwalk Initiative with the intent to use the river as a means to connect downtown development with business and leisure activities. It became a partnership between the City and the private property owners along the river and downtown (later forming the Milwaukee Riverwalk District) and together they believed the project would have a far-reaching impact, improving public access to the river and increasing property values. The primary goal was to put a renewed focus on the river as a destination for residents, employees, and visitors alike. A funding mechanism was established through the creative thinking of the City's Comptroller, agreements were signed and the first riverwalks were designed in the early 90's. Downtown riverwalk construction, concentrated in an 8-block area, was mostly complete by 1997, transforming the Milwaukee River.

Other Then and Now posts:

October 2024

Main Street, Deer Lodge, Montana.  (10/14)

Oil City, Pennsylvania.  (10/14)

Main Street, Buffalo New York.  (10/14)

Oshkosh High School/Oshkosh City Hall.  (10/13)

Deaconess Hospital, Great Falls, Montana.  (10/13)

September 2024

Main Street, Hornell New York. (9/23)

Berkeley Public Library.  (9/23)

Cadillac Public Library,  (9/23)

Jamestown, New York.  (9/23)