The Eatery
The eatery is an ongoing project that began in 2013, which became official in 2014, when the location of monthly community potlucks shifted towards the northwest end of the artery, and led to a number of improvements and amenities on top of and on either sides of the Capitol Drive overpass. On the south end of the eatery is Milwaukee Toolbox, which provides power as well as a workshop and storage space for events. Across from this is the original installation of Hoop Dreams and a raised garden plot. Atop the bridge is a 94’ long table that transformed this transitional space into a place for public gathering, which also includes 22 seven foot’ long benches that can seat over 100 people formally at the table, or 300+ people informally with rail ties along the fenceline. The eatery is also host of two annual events, the 14th year of the neighborhood block party, and the first year of Summer’s Last BBQ. On the north side of the eatery, a 20’ shipping container known as the Greenhaus will soon be able to grow herbs over three seasons with other crops in raised beds harvested by local youth; in addition there are three composting bins.
funding: ArtPlace America, City of Milwaukee Neighborhood Development Improvement Corporation, Community Development Block Grant, Outpost Natural Foods
in kind: I-joists, rail ties, large urns, shipping containers
partners: Earthbound Development, Newaukee, City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Greater Milwaukee Committee, Newaukee, Outpost Natural Foods, CG Schmidt, Milwaukee Intermodal Transit, MKE-LAX, Victory Garden Initiative, Teens Grow Greens, Reflo, Urban D’Version Social Club
materials: glue-lam I-joist flanges, threaded rod, dead oak tree, solar LED’s, fiberglass urns, soil
installation: 06/15/2014 - current
project team: Mitch Branscombe, Keith Hayes, Willie Fields, Rob Zdanowski, Scott Schmalz, Ventson Jones, Hugh Soward III, Annushka Peck, Taylor Williams, Jordan Donald, Charlie Stull, Olmedo Marcangelo, Jermaine Cole, Destiny Cole, Lance Wallace, Marek Landscaping, Charlie Uihlein, Zach Felknor, Angela Damiani, Darron Suttle, Vedale Hill, Evelyn Terry