When Milwaukee was the Machine Shop of the World, the Menomonee River Valley was its engine. The Valley was a prime location for industry because of its easy access to the railway and canal network. With more than 20 historic industrial buildings on the street, W St. Paul Ave has a rich collection of historic industrial buildings that haven't changed much over time, but their uses have.
When Sobelman’s Pub & Grill opened in 2000, there wasn’t a lot of action on the street apart from the drag racing. Today there are a dozen locally-owned businesses that are part of the growing St. Paul Avenue Design District. Businesses are renovating historic buildings and repurposing them to showcase furniture, lighting, decorative stone, antiques, and more. This didn’t happen overnight and was made possible by people coming together. Join Menomonee Valley Partners on a stroll through the street’s history, visit a couple of the businesses, and hear how this street transformed over the last 100 years or so.
This is a one-way walk. We’ll begin at Brass Light Gallery (1101 W St. Paul Ave) and walk seven blocks west to Riverview Antique Market.
This 7-block walk is accessible for all, using city streets. If it is raining, the walk will be postponed.
Learn more about the Design District on St. Paul Avenue.
This walk is led by Menomonee Valley Partners. Contact Rochelle@TheValleyMKE.org if you have any questions.