Special Feature: Story and Design by Jason McDowell

A featured article on OnMilwaukee for good reason, These buildings were demolished for soulless surface parking, consists of custom design and engaging writing by Jason McDowell. One of the aspects of this article that makes it hold more meaning than other articles (what makes it featured) is that it proposes a clear and observable issue that many might agree with and not know what to do about.

As an architecture enjoyer myself, I wholeheartedly agree with the cause of this article. Looking into the preservation of historic buildings for the purpose of residential living space and giving the city more charm, character, and intrigue is something more MKE residents should be concerned about. Backing up this claim he gives many many clear examples and briefly explains on a case by case basis of the importance and loss of these buildings, citing the architectural style and former purpose many of these unique buildings used to hold.

Valuing cars, visitors, and a quick way to make money is a bad representation of the character of Milwaukee as a whole, when people should really be able to see cared for and still used historic buildings. Some might argue it isn't even a money issues, as rennovating and renting a whole complex is one of the most profitable things a property owner can do. It might be an ideal of wanting to tear down and start fresh, but when that fresh start is used for a thin, surface level slab of concrete is when property owners really miss the mark and make the city a worse place for it.

Regarding the context of the article, OnMilwaukee is a pretty good place for it, it's a bit more serious and well-researched than the usual article, but that's why it's featured. Also, props to McDowell for organizing it in an easy to follow way, highlighting and captioning extremely helpful visuals and following a good flow of topics and additional links; inforation that all falls under the cover of the umbrella of the main issue.

If there were one thing I wish was covered more, or at least brought up in closing, is how I or any other MKE resident might help this cause. Would petitioning, protesting, or (strongly worded) letterwriting do anything to convince the property owners in question? The issue is raised but no solutions are proposed, resources/organizations linked