Activity Page
Check out the fun activity page for this neighborhood, designed by artist CK Ledema. Available in English and Spanish. Click to download and print!
Página de Actividad
Vea la página de actividades divertidas para este vecindario, diseñada por el artista CK Ledema. Disponible en ingles y español. Haga clic para descargar e imprimir!
About the Neighborhood
Stretching from N. Teutonia Avenue to Sherman Boulevard, the Villard District is nestled in the heart of Milwaukee’s historic “Old North Milwaukee” neighborhood offering a rich local history. Celebrated as the original “downtown” of the Northside of Milwaukee, Villard Avenue boasts blocks of walkable streets, unique historic & cultural fabric, and prime retail space.
Take a neighborhood walk and view these newly installed murals selected by a community jury of Villard residents and the Villard Avenue BID. "The artists selected all come from different ethnic backgrounds, which at a turbulent time where race-relations are unsettled, have all come together in a predominantly black neighborhood to promote cultural and community pride, and educate children through the form of art." - Villard BID
- 3903 W. Villard Ave. - "She is the rock that we embrace through storms, she is the life giving flow, she is the joy and the spirit that we breathe. She is our mother." by Byada Meredith
- 5268 N. 35th St. - "Protecting Our Planet" by Chacho Lopez
- 5151 N. 35th St. - "Old North Milwaukee Evolves Together" by Kevin Soens
- 3120 W. Villard Ave. - "Uhuru Sasa (Freedom Now)-Community, Culture & Commerce" by Ras Ammar Nsoroma
- 5246 N. 35th St. - "Healthy Choices" Teresa Sahar
Milwaukee Public Library Villard Square Branch - 5190 N. 35th St.
The Milwaukee Public Library Villard Square Branch is a mixed-use development that includes a Milwaukee Public Library branch on the first floor, with 47 apartment homes on three stories above for families where grandparents are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Visit the MPL website for hours.
The North Milwaukee Village Hall and Fire Station was built in 1900 as an all-in-one municipal building for the growing industrial community of North Milwaukee. Designed by architects Leenhouts and Guthrie it housed the volunteer fire department, police department, jail, library, and town hall. It served a variety of public and private uses throughout the years, and is currently undergoing historic restoration. The two story brick building is uniquely eclectic with strong Victorian Neo-Classical Revival influences. Elements principal to its design are its central pavilion, Palladian entrance, and prominent domed cupola reaching 56 feet.
Quasimondo Physical Theatre is transforming the former North Milwaukee Village Hall and Fire Station into a center for arts and education: the North Milwaukee Arthaus. While the building is not open to the public, the exterior is worth visiting while you are in the neighborhood!
Guidelines for Visiting Neighborhoods
While Historic Milwaukee is not opening buildings and sites to tour this year, we still encourage you to visit these recommended neighborhood locations for self-guided experiences. When visiting neighborhood locations please follow the mask ordinance - wear a mask and maintain social distance and respect residents and neighbors.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to artist CK Ledesma who designed and created the Doors Open Neighborhoods Activity pages. Thanks also to the neighborhood leaders to contributed information and recommendations on things to do and places to see in their neighborhoods. And thank you to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation for their support of the Activity Booklet.