MILWAUKEE - In the heart of Milwaukee's Garden Homes neighborhood, a historic house at 4369 N 26th St. is undergoing a transformation that symbolizes renewed hope for a community that has experienced both prosperous and challenging times. This house is now officially repurposed as a Milwaukee Police Department hub, providing law enforcement with a space for operations and fostering a closer relationship with the residents they serve.
The renovation of this historic home is part of broader efforts to revitalize the Garden Homes neighborhood, which holds a unique and significant place in Milwaukee's history. As one of the first planned housing cooperatives in the United States, established in the early 20th century, Garden Homes was designed to offer affordable housing to working-class families, particularly African Americans. Vicki Boston, a resident who has lived in the neighborhood for 36 years, expressed her optimism about this new development, stating, "It makes me feel encouraged because I think there was a time when everyone here felt like nothing would ever be done."
The newly opened hub aims to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the community, addressing long-standing concerns over crime and safety. Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball emphasized this objective, stating, "It's important that we have the resources that the community can access near them, so they don't have to go downtown. It's also a good opportunity for us to interact with them in a positive way and continue to build trust within the community."
The transformation of this house is not just about bricks and mortar; it represents a holistic approach to community safety and engagement. The 30th Street Corridor Corporation has been at the forefront of revitalizing homes in the area, focusing on old houses that had fallen into disrepair. Cherly Blue, Executive Director of the organization, mentioned, "We don’t see them as foreign to this neighborhood. These are people that are a part of this community," highlighting the hub's significance in fostering local connections.
In recent years, the Garden Homes neighborhood has faced challenges, including crime, loitering, and economic decline. For residents like Boston, the changes they've witnessed are encouraging. She recalls back when the neighborhood felt safe and secure but also acknowledges the darker days marked by fear. "It became so scary for me and my family," she admitted, referring to times when crime levels increased.
The opening of the police hub is seen as a critical step in restoring stability and safety. Equipped with 24-hour surveillance, the hub is designed to help police address ongoing issues with crime, drug activity, and safety concerns in the area. The community's involvement and support are evident, with residents expressing a desire to reclaim a sense of ownership over their neighborhood. Boston commented, "The neighbors in this neighborhood are saying we’re not going anywhere. We’re gonna get back to the neighborhood we had that was safe."
For officers like Sgt. Minisha Howard, this development has personal significance. A Milwaukee native, she understands the importance of this initiative for the residents. "The neighbors want this change. They want their community back, and with the community and all the other entities, just seeing this has been a bright spot for everyone. When we work together, things like this can come true," Howard noted.
Although the hub officially opened its doors on March 24, 2025, community leaders emphasize that this is only the beginning. The goal is to shift the narrative surrounding Garden Homes, one small step at a time. "No one person, partner or organization can make it happen. We all have to work together," Blue remarked, echoing the sentiment of unity that is crucial for long-lasting change.
As the residents of Garden Homes look forward to a renewed sense of community and safety, the hope is that the partnership between law enforcement and the community will lead to stronger ties and a brighter future. Boston envisions a neighborhood where kids can play freely in the parks and families can reconnect without fear. "I see kids playing in the park. I see families sitting out, neighbors coming out of their houses, getting to know each other. Having the police presence in this neighborhood will make such a difference," she concluded.
This transformation is not just an upgrade of a structure but a reaffirmation of the community's resilience and determination to improve the quality of life in Garden Homes.
