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Introduction
Cities possess a singular appeal. The proximity of people and activities in
cities facilitates efficient use of land and transportation systems and creation of
convivial public spaces. Milwaukee must encourage development of housing, commerce and
transportation systems that embrace its urban heritage. The city must recognize its unique
assets and build upon its strength as the core of a major metropolitan area.
Coordinated planning and development effectively integrate many
elements. Quality housing that enhances a sense of community among neighborhood residents;
attractive customer-friendly commercial streets; greenspace offering recreational
amenities and a diverse array of transportation options represent only a few of the many
elements that, when well designed, contribute to good urban form. Milwaukee must promote
urban design practices that emphasize the public qualities of buildings and creation of
places with lasting value and civic meaning.
New buildings should be designed in ways that retain the traditional
qualities of Milwaukee’s architecture. This does not mean that new buildings should
nostalgically imitate historical styles. In fact, to do so would be contrary to the
creative design traditions that produced Milwaukee’s rich architectural legacy.
Timeless design principles should be followed that produce architecture that fits with its
context and is human scaled. New buildings should be designed to be compatible with
neighboring structures, spaces and activities. Visually interesting and human-scaled
building facades should prevail over sterile, windowless walls - especially when facing
public spaces.
Diversity is the city’s unique strength. The rich mix of uses
found in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods provides convenience, vitality and individual
identity. The transportation network binds the city together. Milwaukee must be organized
around a transportation network that offers mobility choice. Needs of pedestrians and
automobiles should be balanced to create a legible, walkable and memorable public realm.
Combining good design with the city's rich architectural heritage will
maintain its unique, attractive, "people-friendly" environment and further
enhance Milwaukee’s residents' quality of life.
The following design principles articulate those unique qualities that
characterize Milwaukee’s neighborhoods, and are meant to promote development and
redevelopment that reinforce and preserve these characteristics.
Principle #1: neighborhood compatibility
A cohesive neighborhood environment depends on buildings that
compliment one another. The size, shape and location of buildings as well as the uses
contained within them, create "patterns" that define neighborhood character. New
development should be compatible with the pattern of its surrounding context.
Development that adheres to this principle will:
A. Relate to the physical character and scale of the
neighborhood
B. Enhance linkages to surrounding uses, especially public services and amenities
(schools, parks, mass transit)
Principle #2: pedestrian friendly design
Cities are for people, and an environment designed to
accommodate the pedestrian heightens human experience and sense of place. New development
should be designed to create attractive, comfortable and safe walking environments.
Development that adheres to this principle will:
A. Locate buildings to define street edges and corners
B. Enliven street frontages to enhance the pedestrian experience
C. Create memorable places for people
Principle #3: land use diversity
Many Milwaukee neighborhoods are comprised of a
rich mix of land uses. Such diversity uses land efficiently, provides for neighborhood
convenience and contributes to unique urban experiences.
Development that adheres to this principle will:
A. Encourage a compatible mix of uses at the neighborhood scale
B. Identify opportunities for shared uses
Principle #4: transportation diversity
Milwaukee’s neighborhoods are connected by a
functional circulation network of streets and blocks. This system should be maintained and
improved in ways that accommodate various modes of transportation balanced with needs for
pedestrians.
Development that adheres to this principle will:
A. Create a balanced circulation system that accommodates mobility choice
(pedestrians, automobiles, bicycles and transit)
B. Enhance public transportation by making it more comfortable and convenient to use
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