Riverwest

Riverwest is a neighborhood located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, situated near the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan. The area is known for its vibrant community, with a mix of University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee students, young professionals, and long-time residents, similar to neighborhoods like Shorewood, Wisconsin and Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Riverwest is also close to other Milwaukee neighborhoods, such as Brewers Hill and Downtown Milwaukee, and is accessible via Interstate 43 and Interstate 94. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including Gordon Park and Kilbourn Park, which offer scenic views of the Milwaukee River and Menomonee River.

Geography

Riverwest is bounded by the Milwaukee River to the west, Holton Street to the east, North Avenue to the north, and Pittsburgh Avenue to the south, near the Menomonee Valley. The neighborhood's geography is similar to that of other Milwaukee neighborhoods, such as Bay View, Milwaukee and Walker's Point, Milwaukee, with a mix of industrial, commercial, and residential areas. Riverwest is also close to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee campus, which is located in the Upper East Side, Milwaukee neighborhood, and is near the Milwaukee County Courthouse and Milwaukee City Hall. The neighborhood's proximity to the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan makes it a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with nearby parks like Veterans Park and McKinley Park offering access to the Oak Leaf Trail and the Lake Michigan shoreline.

History

The history of Riverwest dates back to the early 19th century, when the area was first settled by European-American immigrants, including German Americans and Polish Americans, who were attracted to the area's proximity to the Milwaukee River and the Menomonee River. The neighborhood was also home to several industrial sites, including the Allen-Bradley factory, which was a major employer in the area, and the A.O. Smith Corporation, which was founded in Milwaukee in 1910. Riverwest was also a popular destination for African Americans during the Great Migration, with many settling in the neighborhood and contributing to its rich cultural heritage, similar to neighborhoods like Bronzeville, Milwaukee and Harambee, Milwaukee. The neighborhood has a strong connection to the Civil Rights Movement, with notable figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X visiting the area, and is also home to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society.

Demographics

According to data from the United States Census Bureau, Riverwest has a diverse population, with a mix of young professionals, families, and long-time residents, similar to neighborhoods like River Heights, Milwaukee and Washington Heights, Milwaukee. The neighborhood is home to a significant number of University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee students, as well as employees of nearby institutions like Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Riverwest is also a popular destination for LGBTQ+ individuals, with several gay bars and LGBTQ+ organizations in the area, including the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community, with many residents actively involved in local organizations like the Riverwest Co-op Cafe and the Riverwest Neighborhood Association.

Culture

Riverwest is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with a mix of art galleries, music venues, and restaurants that reflect the neighborhood's diverse heritage, similar to neighborhoods like The Third Ward, Milwaukee and Walker's Point, Milwaukee. The neighborhood is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Riverwest Fest and the Center Street Daze festival, which celebrate the area's music, art, and culture. Riverwest is also a popular destination for foodies, with several restaurants serving a range of cuisines, from Mexican cuisine to Vietnamese cuisine, and is home to the Riverwest Food Co-op, a cooperative grocery store that specializes in organic food and local produce. The neighborhood has a strong connection to the Milwaukee arts scene, with several art galleries and performance venues in the area, including the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Pabst Theater.

Economy

The economy of Riverwest is driven by a mix of small businesses, startups, and non-profit organizations, similar to neighborhoods like Shorewood, Wisconsin and Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. The neighborhood is home to several coffee shops and bars, as well as restaurants and retail stores that cater to the local community. Riverwest is also a popular destination for entrepreneurs and small business owners, with several co-working spaces and incubators in the area, including the Riverwest Co-op Cafe and the Milwaukee Makerspace. The neighborhood has a strong connection to the Milwaukee business community, with several business organizations and chambers of commerce in the area, including the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce.

Transportation

Riverwest is accessible via several major transportation routes, including Interstate 43 and Interstate 94, which connect the neighborhood to other parts of Milwaukee and the surrounding region. The neighborhood is also served by several Milwaukee County Transit System bus routes, including the Green Line and the Blue Line, which provide connections to Downtown Milwaukee and other neighborhoods. Riverwest is also a popular destination for cyclists, with several bike lanes and bike trails in the area, including the Oak Leaf Trail and the Hank Aaron State Trail. The neighborhood is also close to the General Mitchell International Airport, which provides connections to destinations across the United States and around the world, including Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Category:Neighborhoods in Milwaukee