NOURISHING THE MISSION
Food insecurity had been growing in Milwaukee and, as the city’s only Free & Local food bank, Hunger Task Force (HTF) needed to grow their services to meet demand. But that required significantly more space than their current building offered. For 15 years HTF had served clients in the historic Mitchell Street area, one of Milwaukee’s food deserts, and they were committed to staying in that neighborhood so clients could find and access them with ease.
But how does a not-for-profit organization with a tight budget acquire a spacious yet affordable property, geared to their needs, in a very specific neighborhood?
First, HTF teamed up with Nancy Bush, Historic Mitchell Street Business Improvement District executive director, to find an old building in the perfect location. The building was about a block from the current location and dated backed to 1857. Needless to say, curb appeal wasn’t one of its selling points. Next, HTF hired Haydin Thacker Architecture who recommended one of their trusted partners, Kelly Construction & Design.
KCD had experience rehabbing old buildings with disjointed layouts, multiple entrances and a hodgepodge of construction materials and knew what vision and creativity could do. After HTF completed a roof inspection, the team began building the plan that would turn a forgotten property into a vibrant hub.
Collaboration was key in creating a design that would reflect HTF’s mission of service and values of dignity, justice, equity, compassion and stewardship. While the interior was gutted down to the exterior masonry, KCD brought in ideas to streamline the design process as well as value enhancement options to deliver quality while controlling costs.
Among the many improvements were a light-filled entrance to welcome clients on the Mitchell Street side, space for up to 20 clients to be served at once, 10 self-service computer stations for clients to use applying for benefits, private meeting rooms and a waiting area with children’s books and toys.
Because the neighborhood is still transitional, the team had to take extra care to secure the construction site, even removing dumpsters at night to prevent theft and littering. When the building was found to be over 2-feet out of plumb, the team worked creatively to get everything to line up visually. For every challenge, the team found a solution, including hiring an AV contractor who provided the right services and came in under budget.
The project was a success on many levels. The renovation was completed on schedule and within the budget. But it was the unique quality of the renovation and sensitivity to HTF’s mission that won the highest praise.
HTF CEO Jessica Pontious put it this way: “Thanks to our partners at Kelly Construction & Design, both the interior and exterior have been beautifully upgraded, preserving the historic character of the building while creating a modern, functional space that will serve our community for years to come as our Southside Resource Center.”
HTF employees also were overjoyed when they walked through the new space and envisioned all the good work they could do for families in need.
“This project is more than just bricks and mortar,” Pontious added. “It’s an investment in Milwaukee’s future and a reflection of our commitment to keeping food free & local. We are so grateful to Kelly Construction & Design for their partnership and dedication in making this vision a reality.”
HTF’s new Southside Resource Center is another example of how existing buildings can have a completely new life, serve an important purpose, and fulfill needs affordably when the right team brings experience, creativity and heart to the job.
