Posts Tagged 'walkability'

Pro-Walkable Communities Non-Profit Gets It’s Legs

Published September 19, 2011 Urban Policy , Urban Washington D.C. Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,

As part of an ongoing series to promote the non-profit Every Body Walk, I wanted to bring attention to their exciting Campaign Launch Week to be held in Washington D.C. this week from September 19-23, 2011.  As I have covered before, Every Body Walk is an online educational campaign aimed at getting Americans up and walking by encouraging increased exercise as well as supporting walkable communities.  Their first annual campaign week will include a number of events, speakers, and activities all aimed at raising awareness to the health and community benefits of getting people to walk more on a daily basis.

This is a cause I whole heartedly support and a topic I have written about extensively in my ‘Car Free in Indy’ series on urbanOut and am thus excited to see large non-profits sprout up like Every Body Walk.  And it is doubly exciting to see them put significant energy behind their message, something that will be showcased in the campaign launch week when a number of experts and advocates in related fields are brought together to move the conversation forward on walkability issues in the United States.

While this is in no way an exhaustive list of every event or rally, below is a highlight of key happenings during Every Body Walk’s Campaign Launch Week:

Every Body Walk! Launch Event and Reception – Monday, September 19th

This event will officially kick off the week and begin the outreach campaign to encourage people to walk more in their daily lives.  The reception will include introductions from Every Body Walk spokesperson Bob Sallis and key partners including the Brookings Institute, Smart Growth America, Rails to Trails, Let’s Move, among others.  During this time, an introduction to Every Body Walk’s mobile app and a video from Will Ferrell’s company Funny or Die will launch.

EBW! presents: Summit on Walking – Tuesday, September 20th

Activists, scientists, doctors, foundations, community organizers, school teachers, researchers, human resources experts, economists, city planners, parents – all have one thing in common: the desire for walkable cities and neighborhoods to create lives that blend life and work in harmony.  This summit will discuss these issues and tie them to varying angles around the health benefits of walking.  Experts in the field, many of whom are participating in the short films and upcoming documentary film to the same topic will be participating.  This includes Rails to Trails, District Department of Transportation, Brookings Institute, Let’s Move, Safe Routes to School and more.

Documentary Film Screening and Reception – Thursday, September 22nd

The official Every Body Walk! Documentary will debut on Thursday of the Campaign week with a 30-min advance screening along with 60 minutes of conversation on walking.  This event will feature Dr. Regina Benjamin, Surgeon General, representatives from the Brookings Institute, the DOT, Smart Growth America, America Walks, and moderated by Rob Sallis from Every Body Walk.

EBW’s Campaign Launch Week, sponsored by Gerber Rigler, is happening thanks to numerous public and private partners, including Discovery Networks, Funny or Die, DC Blogs, DOT, Rails to Trails, Brookings Institute, America Walks, Trust for Public Land, Friends of the Highline, City Parks Alliance, Let’s Move and the corporate brands of FedEx, Toyota, Puma, Walmart and Verizon among others.

For more information on EBW! Week, check out their website here for coverage as well as specifics on the time and place of events and speeches.  It is sure to be a very interesting and educational week for walkability in the United States and something I am excited to both promote and be a part of.

Every Body Walk

Published August 1, 2011 Urban Policy 1 Comment
Tags: , , ,

At this point, most Americans have heard of the country’s struggle with obesity and unhealthy lifestyles.  No statistic highlights this problem better than America’s increasing obesity rates: in the 1980’s only one state had obesity rates above 20%; today 49 states do.  Time and time again, the blame for this goes to fast food and dietary control matters, with little mention of urban planning policy and how that plays into the issue.  Many urbanists believe there is in fact a direct correlation between this public health crisis and urban planning, citing the decrease in walkable community development and increased reliance on the automobile as reasons people lead increased sedentary lifestyles and are becoming more obese.

Fortunately, this connection has really began to catch on in planning circles as seen in new urbanism developments across the country and the residential growth of central cities across America.  And now, national non-profits are starting to push for more responsible urban development, promoting that angle a way towards decreasing the nation’s soaring obesity rates by allowing people to walk not just for pleasure, but as a means of transportation and for running daily errands.  One group that is starting to let its voice be heard in this national conversation is Every Body Walk, a non-profit dedicated to getting America up and moving, one way or another.

Every Body Walk’s main mission is to encourage every American to walk at least 30 minutes a day.  Their campaign arose because more than 70% of adult Americans currently lead sedentary lifestyles. This is having a direct impact on the overall health of our country, which spends $2.5 trillion annually on medical care.  An estimated 80% of that figure is spend on treating chronic conditions that can be prevented or treated by regular walking habits.

Thus Every Body Walk was born, an online educational campaign aimed at getting Americans up and walking.  A walking hub, www.everybodywalk.org, features news and resource on walking, health information, walking maps, how to find walking groups, a personal pledge form to start walking as well as a place to share stories about individual experiences with walking.  Plus, they are currently developing a mobile app for keeping people on track to walk more in their daily lives.  For urbanists out there, the site is a great one-stop shop for learning about America’s most walkable cities, neighborhood walk scores, and organizations and blogs who promote walkable communities and urban development.

To stay up-to-date on everything Every Body Walk, follow them on Twitter (@everybodywalk) or visit their Facebook page.  They are spearheading a truly ambitious campaign and one of particular importance, not just for the physical health and well-being of our populace, but also the well-being of walkable communities in America.  So please get the word out on Every Body Walk, a great cause worth supporting.

Census Reveals People Increasingly Desire Walkable Neighborhoods

Published March 1, 2011 Urban Indianapolis , Urban Policy 3 Comments
Tags: , , , ,

As many Urban Indy readers are well aware by now, the 2010 Census information for Indiana was released, giving the general public a statistical snapshot of the state’s economic and demographic standing. Indiana is one of the first states to have their 2010 numbers released, with many other states coming online throughout the duration of 2011. Certainly, this is an exciting time for urban planners, geographers, economists, and any other data junkie who gets as excited to study and sift through new Census data as others do the Super Bowl. The reason for excitement surrounding new Census information lies behind the significance and political ramifications the ‘event’ brings. As an added bonus, the Census shows us micro and macroeconomic trends, migration shifts and gives us insight into population growers and showers.

For Indiana, the 2010 Census information delivers on excitement, teaching us a number of lessons that are sure to have political and monetary ramifications for the next ten years. One lesson that planners in particular are sure to be excited about is the revelation that people increasingly desire walkable urban neighborhoods.

When you begin to analyze the population trends in Indiana and zero in on the Indianapolis Metropolitan region, you can’t help but notice a sea of red census tracts in the center of the region surrounded by a sea of blue tracts. This color pattern indicates the region’s urban core continues to bleed population out to suburban and exurban areas in the form of sprawl. But look a little closer and two glimmers of hope, census tracts 354200 and 351600, prove that all is not lost in the fight against suburban sprawl. Tract 354200 encompasses the Northeast Quadrant of downtown Indianapolis, an area centralized around Mass Ave, a mixed-use corridor known for its art scene, restaurants, and walkable neighborhoods. The other glimmer of hope, Census tract 351600 includes the Fall Creek Place neighborhood, an area that has seen dramatic gentrification, investment and densification in recent years.

Interestingly, these two census tracts make up arguably the city’s most walkable, densely populated neighborhoods and offer quality of life characteristics not found elsewhere. Amidst a sea of red, these two neighborhoods have managed to buck the trend and grow (quite substantially) in population over the past ten years. So why are these areas growing while the rest of Indianapolis’s urban core loses population? The answers seem to be characteristics that Mass Ave and Fall Creek Place have in common (of course) which are: walkability, access to cultural institutions, unique sense of place and the ability to offer a truly urban way of life. When looking at other census releases across the country similar trends have been identified, indicating that Indianapolis is seeing what the rest of the nation is seeing: the continued rise in popularity of walkable areas that offer urban lifestyle opportunities.

Marion County as a whole (the central core county of Indianapolis) has grown over the past ten years, most of which occurring on the County fringe areas outside of the urban core. And when compared to the region’s collar, suburban counties, Marion County is a growth laggard, seeing an increase less than 5% while growth leader Hamilton County saw a greater than 50% population increase. With suburban sprawl continuing unabated and Marion County lacking the greenfields necessary for suburban expansion, central Indiana’s core county has to start taking proactive measures to curb the outward population growth trends in Central Indiana.

Since suburban development is not a substantial or legitimate option in Marion County, a differing product has to be offered that is a proven competitor with the suburban model. This is where the 2010 Census and its associated ‘exciting’ lessons come into play. The Indiana Census has revealed that walkable, urban neighborhoods like Mass Ave and Fall Creek Place are the product that people increasingly desire. This is the urban form that needs to be replicated if Marion County wants to stand a chance at curbing the current population trends that favor collar counties.

A more ‘urban product’ features an improved mass transit system, urban land use planning, increased density, heightened urban design regulations, and neighborhood identity. Pushing these types of initiatives will prove difficult, as dramatic change is almost always met with hesitation and fear. But to do nothing will prove detrimental in the long run and the urban core’s population will continue to hemorrhage. Excitement aside, we must learn from the Census, see the successes around Mass Ave and Fall Creek Place and begin developing and offering similar quality of life characteristics Countywide.

Image Source

Indianapolis Urban Tour Guide

Published July 21, 2010 Urban Indianapolis 2 Comments
Tags: , ,

I originally wrote this piece for Urban Milwaukee as part of their Midwest cities urban tour guide summer series.  The guide is a ‘top 10 things to see and do in Indianapolis’ from an urban lover’s perspective.  I thought I’d repost the guide on here for my readers that did not get the chance to check it out over at Urban Milwaukee.  Enjoy! 

Indianapolis might be one of the most misunderstood Midwestern cities, as most people only associate the City with cars, Colts, and conventions.  But dig a little deeper and you’ll discover what makes Indianapolis a true heartland destination: its thriving downtown, unique cultural districts, and beautiful urban neighborhoods.  For urban lovers like myself, there are numerous things to do and places to explore, most notably around downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods.  Outlined below is my recommended ‘Top 10 Things to Do and See’ in Indianapolis.  Whether it is a historic neighborhood walking tour, paddleboats in the canal, or a day at the Museum of Art, this list provides something for all city enthusiasts to enjoy, all the while introducing you to urban Indianapolis.  Enjoy!

Downtown Walking Tour

Overview – The one-square mile CBD features numerous restaurants, shopping, and nightlife destinations and is easily one of the Midwest’s most thriving downtown’s.  The built environment is relatively dense, especially along South Meridian Street and Illinois Street.  The CBD is a regional destination for sporting events and a national destination for large, year-round conventions.  There are also numerous events and festivals held throughout the year.  Enjoy downtown Indianapolis! 

Where – Bounded by North Street to the north, East Street to the east, South Street to the south, West Street to the West.

How to get there – walk or bike around.

What to see

  • Monument Circle lies at the center of downtown and is a must see.  If you have time, walk climb to the top of the Monument and enjoy great views of downtown.  The Hilbert Circle Theatre is also on the Circle where the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra plays.
  • Market Street is a brick bookended on the west by the Indiana State Capitol Building.  On the east side of the street you’ll find City Market, a must see and a great place to find local artisan foods.  Check out their Farmers Market in the summer months. 
  • Check out South Meridian Street for downtown’s bets collection of architecture, a thriving downtown indoor mall (Circle Centre) and downtown’s nightlife hub.
  • Illinois Street between Georgia Street and Ohio Street features downtown’s best ‘urban canyon’ and along with numerous restaurants with outdoor seating and a movie theatre.
  • Washington Street between and Senate features 19th and early 20th century skyscraper gems, most notably at the intersection with South Meridian.  The street also contains a Border’s bookstore, the beautiful Indiana Repertory Theatre, and a vintage Dunkin Donuts.

Places to Eat

Mass Ave Walking Tour

Overview – Mass Ave is the Art & Theatre District of Indianapolis.  This linear district that runs 45 degrees to the typical street grid features downtown’s premiere eateries, galleries, theatres, public art, shopping, and entertainment venues.  The district also features downtown’s only grocery store.  Enjoy Mass Ave!  

Where – Northeast of Monument Circle, Mass Ave. starts at the intersection of New York St. and Delaware St. and runs at a 45 degree angle to the grid, dead ending at I-65/I-70.  Surrounding neighborhoods of Lockerbie Square, Chatham Arch, and St. Joseph.

How to get there – walk or bike.

What to see

  • Start at the intersection of New York and Delaware Streets and head northeast along Mass Ave. and enjoy the unique restaurants, shops, galleries, and theatres.  The intersection of Mass Ave. and Alabama features Indianapolis’s only downtown grocery store, a great pocket park with restaurant seating flowing onto it, and a great public art piece: Ann Dancing.
  • The Murat Centre – an entertainment venue and the largest Shrine temple in North America.   The building is themed after Islamic temples found in the Middle East and Egypt.
  • Athenaeum – a beautiful 19th Century building at the corner of Mass Ave and Michigan Street.  The building features a YMCA, the Rathskeller, a German restaurant and biergarten, and the American Cabaret Theatre.
  • Theatre on the Square – a professionally managed theatre started in September 1998. 
  • Mass Ave Video – a great collection of the cult, foreign, and/or strange movie that you can’t find anywhere else.  Go all the way to the end of Mass Ave and you’ll find this local secret. (Update, is this place still open?) 
  • Cultural Trail – A world-class bike and pedestrian multi-use path that connects downtown’s cultural districts, including Mass Ave.  The trail is a significant policy move, as it has taken out numerous car travel lanes and parking spots to make way for a pedestrian oriented pathway. 

Places to Eat

Places to Drink

Broad Ripple Exploration

Overview -  Broad Ripple has become Indianapolis’s best known and most popular urban neighborhood as it contains many of Indianapolis’ premier locally owned restaurants, independent art galleries, small boutiques, and has great access to the Monon Trail.  The neighborhood is the premiere nighttime destination for college-aged students, especially along Broad Ripple Avenue.  In recent years, the surrounding residential areas have become quite yuppified.  Enjoy Broad Ripple! 

Where – 6 miles north of downtown Indianapolis, centered on the intersection of College Avenue and Broad Ripple Avenue.

How to get there – a long bike ride or short bus ride: (bus # 17 – www.indygo.net/PDF/maps/17-College.pdf)

What to See

  • Neighborhood Walk – While in the village, make sure to walk along Broad Ripple Avenue from College Avenue to the Monon Trail.  Along the way, you’ll see numerous bars, nightclubs, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.  Be sure to head north and check out Westfiled Boulevard – the center of ‘young professional/yuppie’ Broad Ripple.  Head north still and check out 64th, 65th, Guilford, Ferguson, Carrollton, and Cornell Streets – all with a mixed use, village feel.
  • The Monon Trail – an old rail line turned into a 16.7 mile recreation trail that connects downtown Indianapolis to the northern suburb of Westifeld and runs right through Broad Ripple. 
  • Indianapolis Art Center – a great community anchor that has numerous classes and educational opportunities.  Also features the ARTSPARK, a Michael Graves designed 12 acre space that features interactive sculptures and landscapes in a natural setting.
  • The Vogue Theater- An entertainment destination since 1938, this neighborhood anchor features great concerts and themed dance parties. 
  • Gallery hop along 65th Street – A significant of art galleries are centered on 65th Street.  These include the Hoosier Gallery of Fine Art, The Thompson Collection, Potter’s House, Edited Limited Gallery of Art, and McMurray Fine Art.
  • Central Canal Tow Path – a 5 mile urban greenway along the Central Canal that runs from 30th Street right through Broad Ripple and connects to the Monon Trail.

Where to Eat

  • Breakfast/Brunch:  Perk Up Café – a great local café known for their in-house roasted coffee, artisan bread, and pastries.  
  • Lunch: Ripple Bagel & Deli – Amazing bagel style sandwiches with an extensive menu. 
  • Dinner: Brugge Brasserie – Amazing frites, crepes, and mitraillettes.  

Where to Drink

  • The Northside Social – A new restaurant that also has great cocktails and a wine bar. 
  • Union Jack – a local English styled pub.
  • Corner Wine Bar – A great wine bar with regular tastings/  Also has an extensive food menu. 
  • There are also a lot of nightclubs and bars that cater to the college crowd.  If you’re interested in that scene, check out Rock Lobster, Mineshaft, and Landsharks.

Where to shop

Downtown Historic Residential Neighborhood Walks

Overview – These neighborhoods, primarily residential in character and use, showcase the great historic neighborhoods of downtown Indianapolis.  Mostly single family with a few row houses thrown in; these neighborhoods are the best Indianapolis has to offer in terms of urban living.

Where – St. Joseph, Chatham Arch, and Lockerbie Square, all Northeast of Monument Circle in downtown.

How to get there – Short to long walk or short bike ride.

What to see

  • St. Joseph: This neighborhood is centered on Alabama Street between St. Clair and the I-65 overpass.  Alabama Street is one of the best urban streets in downtown, with a relative mix of uses and great ambiance.  Also, be sure to check out every street that intersects Alabama, all full of great single family historic homes and brick streets. 
  • Chatham Arch: This neighborhood is just north of Mass Ave. and features great single family cottage homes.  Make sure to check out Broadway St. and Park St. and the surrounding areas, both just north of Mass. Ave. 
  • Lockerbie Square: Bounded by Michigan Street to the north, College Avenue to the east, New York Street to the south, and East Street to the west, this small historic neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places and packs a big punch as it is Indianapolis’s most quaint historic district.  The stone and brick streets, old growth street trees, and beautiful historic homes make this area a treat.  Be sure to check out Lockerbie Street and Park Avenue in the district. 

White River State Park and Canal Walk

Overview – Taken together, the White River State Park and the Canal combine to create a unique and dynamic public space in the heart of Indianapolis.

Where – West edge of downtown

How to get there – Short walk or bike ride.

What to see

  • White River State Park – The beautifully designed park is home to the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens, Indiana State Museum, IMAX® Theater, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, NCAA Hall of Champions, Victory Field and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial. 
  • Be sure to cross the Old Washington Street pedestrian bridge over White River Park.  Once across, head south along the river to a lookout pavilion which provides great views of the park and the Indianapolis skyline.  The Indianapolis Zoo is also nearby.  Notice the new JW Marriott hotel being constructed nearby – the big blue behemoth set apart from the rest of downtown.
  • Central Canal – Originally constructed to connect the Erie and a Wabash canal to the Ohio River, the canal of today 1.5 mile long (3 mile loop) linear recreation hotspot and is a popular urban respite for fitness enthusiasts and serenity-seekers alike. This Downtown waterfront is dotted with pedal boats and gondolas, bicycles and surreys.  The Canal cuts through numerous institutions and museums, Military Park, and features numerous residential condos and apartments, all with waterfront property.  The canal’s northern terminus features Buggs Temple, one of the oldest church buildings in downtown.  Today, it features two outstanding restaurants: Creation Café and Euphoria. 

Old Northside Walking Tour

Overview – This mainly residential neighborhood can be found on the National Register of Historic Places.  This mainly residential neighborhood features grand Victorians and other stately mansions that make the area one of the premiere historic districts in the Midwest.  Enjoy the Old Northside!  

Where – Just north of downtown.  Bounded by 16th Street to the north, the Monon Trail to the east, I-65 to the south, and Pennsylvania Street to the west.

How to get there – a long walk, short bike ride, or a short bus ride (bus route #19 – www.indygo.net/PDF/maps/19-Castleton.pdf)

What to see

  • While every street is quite beautiful, specific streets to check out include Alabama Street, New Jersey Street, Park Avenue, and Broadway Street, all between the I-65 overpass and 16th Street. 
  • President Benjamin Harrison Home - Located at 1230 N. Delaware Street. 
  • Morris-Butler House - A museum that shows you how an upper-middle-class family and their servants lived in the Victorian era.     
  • Harrison Center for the Arts – Located at 1505 N. Delaware Street, this is a great community arts center that features open galleries for the public, open Monday-Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm. 

Fountain Square Exploration

Overview – Fountain Square features one of Indianapolis’s most intact neighborhood business districts that was designated a historic district in 1984.  Today, the neighborhood is best known for it’s unique restaurants, art galleries and studios, live entertainment, antiques, and small professional offices.  Enjoy Fountain Square! 

Where – Directly Southeast of downtown Indianapolis

How to get there – Long walk, short bike ride, or short bus ride (Bus # 12 – www.indygo.net/PDF/maps/12-Beechcrest.pdf)

What to See

  • Neighborhood walk – Be sure to check out Virginia Avenue from the I-70 overpass south to the center of the square at the intersection of Prospect Street and Shelby Street.  Head east on Prospect Street a ways until the district ends.  Along the way, you’ll notice numerous galleries, specialty shops, theatres, and cafes.
  • Duckpin Bowling – the only authentic Duckpin Bowling in the Midwest and a unique and fun entertainment option.
  • Fountain Square Theatre – a beautiful theatre built in 1928 that is decorated with an Italian garden theme and highlighted with a forty-foot dome ceiling.
  • Radio Radio – Fountain Square’s best concert venue with a full bar that takes on a retro vibe. 

Places to eat

  • Breakfast/Brunch: Shelbi Street Café & Bistro in the Fountain Square Theatre Building (weekends only) – A small eatery that offers unique food in a contemporary atmosphere. 
  • Lunch: Siam Square – the best Thai food in Indianapolis, hands down. 
  • Dinner: Santorini Greek Kitchen – The best Greek food in Indianapolis and one of the bets overall restaurants as well.  Nice outdoor seating.

Places to Drink

  • The Brass Ring Lounge – A bit of an ‘artsy’ bar that considers itself a vintage neighborhood lounge and restaurant with outdoor seating.
  • Imbibe – Serves classic cocktails, craft brew beers by the bottle and on draft, and wines by the glass.

The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza

Overview – Designated a National Historic Landmark District.  This collection of linear public open space is quite monumental and very impressive and European in scale.  Enjoy the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza! 

Where – Downtown, bounded by St. Clair Street to the north, Pennsylvania Street to the east, New York Street to the south, and Meridian Street to the west.

How to get there – a short walk or bike ride

What to see

  • American Legion Mall – features a large lawn that is used for varying activities including pick-up flag football and numerous events.
  • Obelisk Square – a picturesque square with a large obelisk and accompanying fountain centering the space.
  • Indiana War Memorial -   A beautiful Neoclassical building inspired by the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the world. Within is a military museum, the Shrine Room, and an auditorium.
  • University Park – A beautiful intimate park filled with numerous statues and a centerpiece fountain – the Depew Memorial Fountain.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Overview – Eiteljorg contains one of the world’s best Native American and Western Art collections and is one of two such museums east of the Mississippi.

Where – 500 W. Washington, Street.  In the White River State Park – West Downtown.

How to get there – Short walk or bike ride.

Hours – Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday, 12 noon to 5 pm. Public Tours given at 1 PM Saturday and Sunday

Indianapolis Museum of Art

Overview – One of the nations largest and oldest general art museums, this sprawling complex sits on 152 acres of gardens and grounds.  The museum’s permanent collection spans a significant range of cultures and eras, and numbers more than 50,000 works (including one of the nation’s largest collections of Asian art.)  Elsewhere on the grounds, you can tour the historic Oldsfields estate and accompanying gardens, sculpture parks, and an Art & Nature Park.

Where – 4000 N. Michigan Rd., NW Indianapolis.

How to get there – by car or bus (Bus # 34).  Route information: www.indygo.net/PDF/maps/34-Michigan_Rd.pdf

Hours – Tuesday – 11am to 5pm Wednesday – 11 am to 5 pm Thursday – 11 am to 9 pm Friday – 11 am to 9 pm Saturday – 11 am to 5 pm Sunday – noon to 5 pm Closed Mondays.

Andrew Knee: Milwaukee – A Walker’s Paradise

Published June 14, 2010 Urban Milwaukee 14 Comments
Tags: ,

Milwaukee is a walker’s paradise.  Wisconsin’s largest city has made some great strides recently and, as with many cities in the Midwest, if you haven’t been here in the last decade you might as well say you’ve never been here.  Once you’re on foot, you find that this city has a lot to offer in its confusingly large yet compact downtown area.

 Over the years, Milwaukee’s built form has organized itself into categorized blocks spread across the downtown area that feature various bars, restaurants, and other entertainment destinations.  If you want to see college freshmen go to Water Street, if you want to hang out with yuppies go to Milwaukee Street, if you’re part of the counter cultures of America go to Brady Street, etc.  There are dozens of these little strips that are all easily walkable between each other.  So, when people spend a night out bar hopping they can easily walk five miles without realizing it, and with that comes the perception that Milwaukee is one large neighborhood.

Once you start walking around though, you’ll notice that the neighborhoods between the shopping districts vary wildly.  They’re all very dense quite walkable, but they allocate their forms in different ways.  Around Brady Street you’ll find very large Queen Anne duplexes, Along Prospect Avenue people live in rows of high-rise condominium towers, In Northpointe and Yankee Hill there are large, historic, and beautiful mansions, Murray Hill is full of non-descript low-rise apartment blocks, and the Third Ward has historic warehouse to condominium conversions.

What’s more impressive is that despite this density and walkability, Milwaukee continues to find new places to develop and continues to find ways to ‘fill in the gaps’ between the various commercial strips mentioned above.  As this former rust belt’s renaissance continues, developers have been finding innovative ways to reuse former industrial properties.  The former Schlitz Brewery is now an office park, an old railroad corridor and stockyards is not an upscale neighborhood called Beerline B, the Pabst Brewery has been retrofitted with bioswales along it’s streets and now has a mix of condos and satellite campuses for area universities.  And the latest venture is a broad swath of land called the Park East, where a freeway was recently torn down and the street-grid was reassembled.  Many of these projects are a direct result of our former Mayor John Norquist, who is now the president and CEO of the Congress for the New Urbanism.

Our transit system only helps with the walkability of the city.  While we’re consistently noted for having a severe lack of rail transit for a city our size, the absence of these systems doesn’t tarnish the car-free life here. With our walkable core being somewhat linear, the few bus lines that run through the downtown area run at frequent intervals and are used heavily by locals and tourists.  In addition, Milwaukee’s inter-city transit options are above average.  With Chicago only 90 miles to the South, the Amtrak Hiawatha route makes seven daily runs each direction and acts as a commuter train for many businessmen.  There are also frequent daily coach bus routes to the suburbs, and the wildly popular BadgerBus to Madison and Megabus to the Twin Cities.  Still, there’s always room for improvement and Milwaukee is actively seeking federal funding for Streetcars, BRT and Commuter Rail, which are all on the cusp of beginning construction.

All in all, Milwaukee lives up to its Walkscore.com moniker of a “Walker’s Paradise.”  The city is stable, growing, and a lot of fun to explore on foot.  And while our winters can be nearly hellish at times, our summer festivals are worth the wait.  The next time you’re in the area, park your car or jump off a train and enjoy everything the Brew City has to offer by foot.

Andrew Knee is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is studying Architecture and Urban Planning. 

Follow me on Twitter (@GMeckstroth)

Blog Categories

The Archives

streetsblog.net
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.