A proposed arts-related development featuring an environmentally sustainable performance space on Milwaukee’s west side has received approval from the Planning Commission.
Art Intersection MKE already hosts a mural, other art exhibits and events in the 3500 block of West Vliet Street. Developer Derrick Cainion owns two vacant lots there and is negotiating to purchase additional city-owned properties to expand Art Intersection.
The Planning Commission on Monday recommended a zoning change to facilitate the sale of those properties to Cainion’s Vliet Street Development LLC.
This zoning change and sale of the property, if approved by the City Council, would clear the way for Cainion to make further improvements to the larger 40,000-square-foot property, located on the north side of Vliet Street between N. 35th and N. 37th Streets.
“Art Intersection is a combination of art, environmental sustainability and education,” Cainion told planning commission members.
Green infrastructure and event pavilion are among the plans
The first phase will involve creating a bio-sink to collect stormwater and other green infrastructure with support from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, he said. A sculpture garden is also planned.
Further phases would include a covered pavilion for makers’ markets, art fairs and other programs, with environmental features such as a solar array and charging stations for electric vehicles.
According to a report from the City Development Department, Cainion also hopes to build a one-story building with an art gallery, an artist hotel suite and a commercial kitchen, as well as a two-story residential building.
“This project is really about community building and community development,” said Cainion, who runs DJC Interpreting Service LLC. The company provides sign language interpreting services to performing arts groups, businesses, schools, lawyers and other clients.
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