King Center Upgrades
Parks is pleased to announce that important updates are coming to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Work to address the deteriorating façade and leak issues is already underway. Starting in late August 2024, the roof replacement will begin, with completion anticipated in the fall. In addition, we are preparing for several exterior improvements, including façade renovations, new doors and windows, and enhancements to the front and rear courtyards. The project will also upgrade the staff parking lot and improve ADA accessibility. Construction is expected to start in late 2024 and continue through Spring 2025.
We look forward to these enhancements and are excited to see the positive impact they will have on both the community center and the neighborhood.
Project Background
Built in the early 1970s, the King Community Center stands as a cornerstone of Milwaukee's near west side, providing a wide array of fitness, recreational, and programming opportunities to our valued area residents. This active community center’s façade has not been updated since 1976, and the building requires several repairs due to years of deferred maintenance. The project is funded through a combination of the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Neighborhood Investment Fund (NIF) Grant and Federal ARPA Funds. This project aims to revitalize the King Community Center. There are several aspects that this project looks to implement:
Project Overview
The scope of the upcoming project is dedicated to revitalizing the King Community Center to better serve our community. This comprehensive effort will encompass several crucial aspects:
Energy Efficiency: Our commitment to environmental sustainability drives us to improve the building's energy efficiency. Through targeted enhancements, we aim to reduce the center's carbon footprint and operational costs.
Defect Resolution: Addressing known defects within the building is essential to maintaining its functionality and safety. Any issues that compromise the quality of the facility will be addressed.
Aesthetic Improvements: Parks staff recognize the importance of a welcoming and appealing community space. To that end, we will embark on aesthetic upgrades that enhance the overall appearance of the King Community Center.
Roof Replacement: Among the top priorities is replacing the leaking roof that has caused damage to the interior. Ensuring the structural integrity of the building is paramount, and a new roof is essential to protect the center's interior from further harm.
Window and Door Replacement: Upgrading windows and doors is not only about aesthetics but also about improving insulation and security. New installations will contribute to a more comfortable and secure environment for our community.
Façade and Exterior Enhancements: The exterior of the building plays a significant role in shaping the center's identity. Strategic enhancements will be made to the façade and exterior areas to create an attractive and inviting space for all.
Back of Building and Greenspace Improvements: To maximize the functionality and accessibility of the King Community Center, we will also focus on improvements to the back of the building and adjoining greenspaces. These enhancements will create additional recreational opportunities and enhance the overall community experience.
This project is a testament to Milwaukee County Park’s commitment to both preserving the legacy of the King Community Center and ensuring its sustainability for future generations. We are dedicated to creating a vibrant and functional space that continues to enrich the lives of Milwaukee's near-west side residents.
Summary of Public Engagement
From November 2023 to January 2024, the Milwaukee County project team, led by consultants DREAM Builders and JGMA, organized multiple public engagement sessions at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (1531 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53233).
Public meeting notices were distributed through door-to-door handouts and posted notifications at the community center and various other businesses and community organizations in the neighborhood. The first in-person sessions on 10/20/23 and 10/21/23 aimed to gather community experiences and insights about the center and King Park. The second sessions on 11/3/23 and 11/4/23 featured exhibits where attendees were prompted to provide written feedback and commentary.
During the Turkey Drive on 11/20/23, participants took an online survey to express preferences on the focus areas for the project. A total of 105 survey responses were collected. On 1/15/24, exterior concept designs (under the Documents section) were presented to MLK Day program attendees, who were invited to give written feedback and interact with project consultants.
A summary of public engagement responses is available in the Documents section.
PROJECT UPDATES:
In 2024, the following was completed:
- Entire roof was replaced to resolve leak issues
- Exterior stucco repaired to address the deteriorating facade
- New west parking lot
- New front pathways (including ADA path)
- New light poles
- Pit removal to address safety concerns
- Exterior painting started
Additional improvements to come by Fall 2025:
- Complete exterior paint
- Installation of murals
- Upgraded landscaping
- Replacement of select doors
- Windows and flooring
TIMELINE:
Planning and Intake: Spring 2023 Fall 2023
Design: Late 2023 – Fall 2024
Procurement: Fall 2024
Construction: Late 2024 – Summer 2025
Closeout: Late 2025
Signup Banner
Documents
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Exterior Design Ideas (4.3 MB) (pdf)
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Stakeholder Engagement Round 1 - Boards & Feedback (5.02 MB) (pdf)
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Stakeholder Engagement Round 2 - Boards & Feedback (4.71 MB) (pdf)
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Stakeholder Engagement Round 3 - Survey Feedback (38 KB) (pdf)
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Stakeholder Engagement Round 4 (MLK Day) - Boards & Feedback (3.78 MB) (pdf)
