Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson announced and presented the 28th annual Mayor’s Design Awards at the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning building on Friday afternoon.

The awards are presented to recipients “for adding value to their neighborhoods by restoring, constructing, or enhancing their properties in a way that respects the urban fabric and contributes to the character of their surroundings.”

The winners range from small businesses to public art installations to parks to adaptive reuses and more.

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Here are the winners of the 2025 Mayor’s Design Awards, with descriptions from the mayor’s office.

Places & Spaces

The following projects have found unique opportunities to contribute to the character of their neighborhoods and have made our streets and public spaces more attractive and inviting by engaging the public, enhancing public infrastructure, and creating meaningful community spaces for all to enjoy.

• Milwaukee Recreation’s Carmen & Stark Playfields. These playgrounds have been reimagined into inclusive, community-driven spaces, offering features like splash pads, basketball courts, and accessible walking paths. Both playfields prioritize sustainability, safety, and year-round recreation through thoughtful design and native landscaping. Thank you to Quorum Architects, Site Design Group and Poblocki Paving for helping to create these vibrant public spaces that strengthen and connect Milwaukee’s neighborhoods.

• MPS Green & Healthy Schools – Cohort 6. This past year, Milwaukee Public Schools' Green and Healthy Schoolyard Program transformed five schoolyards at Forest Home School, Greenfield Bilingual School, Lincoln Avenue School, Story Elementary School and Sign Language and Morse Middle Schools from seas of asphalt into vibrant, accessible greenspaces for students and the community. The projects introduced outdoor classrooms, recreational features, and stormwater infrastructure that support student well-being and environmental resilience. A special thank you to Milwaukee Public Schools, Reflo, SmithGroup, and the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning for their leadership in bringing these impactful spaces to life.

• Right-Turn Slip Lane Mural Project. This project is a dynamic example of how art can transform urban spaces while enhancing safety and accessibility. By repurposing two hazardous right-turn lanes at North 27th Street and West Highland Avenue and at South 16th Street and West Lapham Boulevard, this initiative not only beautified the area with vibrant murals but also improved pedestrian and cyclist safety, making it safer to walk, bike, or wait for public transit at these busy intersections. Thank you to LUNA LLC, Near West Side Partners, Inc., Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers, Milwaukee High School of the Arts, Kozi Youth, UMOS Raices and the City of Milwaukee.

• National DIY Skatepark. A once-neglected parking lot has been transformed into a vibrant community skatepark through a grassroots effort that raised over $15,000 for concrete, tools, and maintenance. Thanks to local donations and a $100,000 grant from the City of Milwaukee, the park now offers safe, well-lit amenities that bring people together and support youth engagement. Thank you to National DIY Skatepark, Inc. and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for helping create a vibrant hub that strengthens the neighborhood and inspires pride.

• Beerline Plaza. The Beerline Plaza has transformed an abandoned rail line into a dynamic community space that celebrates local art, culture, and connection. With murals, sculptures, and creatively repurposed shipping containers, the plaza serves as a vibrant gathering place linking Riverwest and Harambee through events like Music on the Beerline and the Beerline Shuffle. Thank you to Riverworks Development Corporation, House of RAD, Community Design Solutions, MPS, and UWM Construction Camp for helping turn this once-overlooked corridor into a proud symbol of community revitalization.

• Vel R. Phillips Plaza. This plaza transforms a former surface parking lot into a vibrant public space honoring Vel R. Phillips—civil rights leader, judge, and the first African American woman elected to statewide office in Wisconsin. The plaza blends transit access with public art, green infrastructure, and community gathering areas, creating a downtown landmark that promotes connection, equity, and pedestrian safety. Special thanks to HNTB, TKWA, Saiki Design, American Design Inc., HDR Inc., Thunderbird Engineering, and Spire Engineering for helping bring this powerful tribute and community hub to life.

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• Davidson Park. Davidson Park offers Milwaukee residents a vibrant and inclusive gathering space that blends cultural heritage with innovative, sustainable design. With green lawns, a serene garden, and a playful amphitheater at “The Hub,” the park invites families, neighbors, and visitors to connect, reflect, and celebrate community. Thank you to the Harley-Davidson Foundation, HGA Architects, Greenfire, and Heatherwick Studio for their partnership in bringing this dynamic vision to life.

Vibrant Corridors

The following projects are revitalizing Milwaukee’s commercial corridors by constructing or restoring their properties in a pedestrian-friendly way that activates the public realm, adds new housing or employment opportunities and contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of our commercial districts.

• Havenwoods Taproom & Beer Garden. Havenwoods Taproom and Beer Garden transforms a former industrial site into a welcoming neighborhood destination, offering indoor and outdoor seating just steps from Havenwoods State Forest. Supported by façade and storefront activation grants through the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, the project enhances community life and supports local revitalization efforts. This thoughtfully reimagined space now serves as a vibrant social hub where neighbors can gather, relax, and connect.

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• Biersal Tavern. This building renovation honors its legacy as a historic Milwaukee landmark while introducing modern design elements that create a welcoming, contemporary space. The project preserved key architectural features and was supported by a City of Milwaukee façade and signage grant that improved the building’s exterior and street presence. This transformation celebrates the tavern’s past while offering a refreshed gathering place for the community. Special thanks to Eric Gutbrod, Randy Gutbrod, Andy Guidinger, Biersal Tavern Staff, Bulldog Builders, & PURE Architecture Studio LLC for bringing new life to this beloved landmark.

• Akara Arts. This locally-owned tattoo studio has become a cozy and welcoming part of the neighborhood. With support from a City of Milwaukee façade grant, the shop enhanced its exterior, making the space more inviting and adding to the area’s character. Thank you to Scott LaShay, and Daniel and Stacy Dahl for their role in creating a space that reflects both creativity and community pride.

• At Random. This thoughtfully renovated space blends historic charm with modern design, creating a lively destination for both neighbors and newcomers. A façade upgrade and redesigned bar enhance the building’s street appeal and interior experience, while vintage beer memorabilia and a music-themed atmosphere add unique character. Thank you to owner John Dye for reimagining this space with creativity and care.

• Station 1846. Station 1846 breathes new life into a historic garage transformed into a vibrant co-working space, coffee shop, bar, and event venue. With storefront activation and façade updates, the project preserves the building’s architectural legacy while introducing modern amenities that foster community connection and attract visitors. Special thanks to MKE City Tours, Galbraith Carnahan Architects, Design Theory 19, and Midwest Construction Group for helping reimagine this corner of the Walker’s Point neighborhood.

• Gallery 507. Gallery 507 is a thoughtfully designed space that celebrates local artists and serves as a cultural hub for the Bronzeville community. Featuring sustainable landscaping, natural wood finishes, and flexible gallery space, the building highlights the artwork while creating a welcoming environment for events, learning, and connection. A special thank you to Bronzeville Center for the Arts, Quorum Architects, Inc., Jordan Construction Services, DSK, LLC., and Emem Group, LLC. for helping bring this community-focused vision to life.

Neighborhood Renaissance

The following projects are Growing Milwaukee by providing a wide range of new opportunities for City living that strengthen neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for residents.

• CDA Model Homes. A new affordable housing initiative in Milwaukee, led by the Community Development Alliance (CDA), is underway with three model homes unveiled as part of a larger plan to build 150 homes aimed at closing the racial homeownership gap. These homes are designed for first-time buyers earning 80% or less of the area median income. Special thanks to project partners Lange Bros. Woodwork Co., Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, and VIA CDC for their support in making this vision a reality.

• Eighteen87 on Water. EIGHTEEN87 on Water is a transformative five-story development that brings 79 new housing units—including 60 affordable homes for residents earning up to 60% of the area median income—to a former industrial site along the Milwaukee River. Blending sustainability with modern design, the project features energy-efficient materials, community spaces, landscaped walkways, and a Riverwalk extension that enhances public access and neighborhood connectivity. Special thanks to project partners Rule Enterprises, Principal Continuum, and LEED AP for their vital contributions to this inclusive, community-driven initiative.

• Riverwest Apartments & Food Accelerator. This new development delivers 91 housing units—83 of which are affordable and 20 designated as supportive—while integrating food education programming through a partnership with FoodRight, Inc. The project honors the legacy of the late Alderman Jonathan Brostoff and his unwavering commitment to housing equity in Milwaukee. Thank you to General Capital Group, KG Development Group, The Sigma Group, and Catalyst Construction for their dedication to this impactful initiative and transformative housing development.

• The Fitz Apartments. The Fitz Apartment Building contributes new housing to Milwaukee’s East Side, combining contemporary design with a strong respect for the neighborhood’s historic character. Built on a long vacant site along Hackett Avenue, the four-story structure uses brick and limestone to reflect nearby early 20th-century apartment buildings, with carefully crafted details that complement the surrounding architecture. Special thanks to DeMichele Co. LLC, HGA, JLA, Groth Design Group, Trio Engineers, and Catalyst Construction for helping create a project that supports the community’s housing needs while honoring its architectural legacy.

• 333 Water. 333 Water is a 31-story residential tower in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward that brings 333 modern homes and 22,700 square feet of high-quality amenities to the heart of the city. Thank you to Hines, S&H Systems, SCB, and W.E. O'Neil Construction Co. for their roles in creating a dynamic new housing option that complements the neighborhood’s contemporary urban lifestyle.

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• The Couture. The Couture is a landmark 44-story mixed-use development in downtown Milwaukee. It is the tallest residential building in Wisconsin at 516 feet. Featuring 322 luxury apartments, over 45,000 square feet of retail space, and an integrated transit hub connecting to The Hop and Connect 1 lines, it sets a national example for transit-oriented design. Thank you to Rick Barrett, Findorff, RINKA, Thornton Tomasetti, GRAEF, Giles Engineering Associates Inc., AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust, the Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, City of Milwaukee, and Milwaukee County for their critical roles in realizing this ambitious and future-focused project.

Urbanism Redefined

The following projects have made extraordinary contributions to the City’s built environment by constructing or restoring places that enhance the City’s built environment, expand opportunities for education or employment, and facilitate social connections; while raising the bar for major development and contemporary architecture in the City.

• UW-Milwaukee Chemistry Building. The new building is a cutting-edge, 163,400-square-foot facility that strengthens UWM’s role as a leader in scientific research and education. Designed with modern architecture and equipped with advanced labs, flexible classrooms, and collaborative spaces like the Industry Incubator Research Lab, the building supports both academic and industry innovation. Thank you to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, CannonDesign, VJS Construction Services Inc., and the State of Wisconsin Division of Facilities Development (DFD) for their dedication to this $118 million, six-year effort that reflects the future of science and learning.

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• Marquette University’s College of Nursing. This project thoughtfully reimagines a historic campus building to meet the evolving needs of healthcare education. This 103,000-square-foot adaptive reuse project blends 1950s and 1980s architectural elements with state-of-the-art simulation labs, classrooms, and collaborative spaces—doubling the College of Nursing’s capacity and supporting the region's growing demand for skilled nurses. Thank you to Marquette University, J.H. Findorff & Son Inc., Ring
& DuChateau, OTIE & Staff Electric, J.M. Brennan, and HGA for their contributions to this impactful transformation in nursing education and community health.

• Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy. This $31 million project merges a former campus with a new high school facility, creating a modern, student-centered environment for youth navigating systemic challenges. Located in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood—a community with deep cultural roots and a legacy of Black leadership and resilience—the project honors its surroundings by providing a space that uplifts and empowers the next generation. Designed with warm, flexible spaces—including a recording studio, makerspace, and technology hub—the three-story building fosters collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging. Thanks to Rodney Lynk, Engberg Anderson, Royal Capital, and CG Schmidt for their leadership in bringing this transformative vision to life, supported by $35.4 million in raised funds, including $8.7 million in new market tax credits.

• ThriveOn King. This project is a community-driven redevelopment in Milwaukee’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood—a historically Black cultural and economic hub. ThriveOn King builds on the area’s rich legacy of resilience, creativity, and community leadership, reinforcing its role as a center for Black excellence and cultural pride by transforming the former Schuster’s/Gimbel’s department store into a 350,000-square-foot hub for health, education, housing, and community services. A collaboration between Royal Capital, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the $105 million project includes 89 apartments—74 of them affordable and 27 reserved for adults 55 years old and older—alongside early childhood education, nonprofit offices, and public gathering spaces. Thank you to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Engberg Anderson Architects, Royal Capital, and CG Schmidt Construction for honoring the legacy of MLK Jr. Drive and investing in a future that centers community well-being and cultural pride.

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• Concordia 27. This project transformed a building that had stood vacant for 15 years into a vibrant community hub, thanks in part to a $5 million grant from Governor Tony Evers. The center now offers nonprofit offices, retail spaces, affordable housing, and essential services focused on housing stability, nutrition, and wellness—all developed through deep collaboration with local partners and residents. Thank you to Wiegand Enterprises LLC, Quorum Architects, Greenfire Management Services, Pierce Engineers Inc., Preserve Design Studio LLC, Near West Side Partners (NWSP), Zoe Engineering LLC, and Payne+Dolan for helping create a space that meets real community needs and supports long-term neighborhood growth.

• Baird Center Expansion. The Baird Center is a landmark $456 million expansion that has redefined Milwaukee’s convention and event landscape, doubling the facility’s size to 1.3 million square feet and significantly boosting its capacity for major gatherings. Completed in May 2024, the project added 24 meeting rooms, a rooftop ballroom for up to 2,000 guests, 400 indoor parking spaces, and sustainable features like a 320,000-gallon stormwater system—earning LEED® Gold certification. Thank to the Wisconsin Center District, EUA, Gilbane Building Company, C.D. Smith Construction, CAA ICON, TVS Architecture and Interior Design, Graef, and Kapur & Associates for their partnership in a project that not only drives economic impact but sets a new standard for
inclusion, resilience, and innovation in Milwaukee.