Ivanhoe Plaza
Milwaukee, WI- Public Space
- The East Side Business Improvement District
- 6,400 SF
Part park, part flex-space, and part marketplace, Ivanhoe Plaza will convert an underutilized street into an active and inviting civic space for Milwaukee's East Side. Plans to pedestrianize the redundant Ivanhoe Pl. first appeared in 2009 and the road was finally closed to vehicles in 2023. The once-road now shows increased pedestrian use for a variety of activities from casual moments to bustling large scale events. Designed to serve residents and visitors alike, the plaza will further this movement into becoming a central hub for connection, creativity, and commerce on the East Side.
With its sweeping form, the Leaf Canopy creates an iconic landmark for the neighborhood and invites passersby into the plaza from the street edge. Its minimal footprint supports a multi-green canopy that casts dynamic, dappled shading inspired by local urban pathways like the nearby Oak Leaf Trail.
Located inside the East Side’s cultural hub, a multi-use stage will cap the edge of the plaza to be utilized by the site’s frequent musical performers or by the neighboring Oriental Theater. Outside of performances, the stage is an extension of plaza seating that welcomes a variety of use.
Double-bladed signage for Black Cat Alley, a tucked-away exhibit of international muralists hidden behind the plaza, creates much needed wayfinding while maintaining its iconic under-cover character.
The plaza will foster connection by offering meaningful space to host local events. These events range from day-to-day casual use to bustling community engagements. (From top left: typical day, Milwaukee Film Festival, Summer Soulstice, winter market)
