Bank Breaks Ground on New Sherman Park Site after Damage in August

The unrest in the Sherman Park area caught national attention last summer marking a turning point in Milwaukee.

The neighborhood has spent months recovering from the 48-hour stretch. On Thursday another key step in a positive direction was made with a groundbreaking ceremony for a bank.

The BMO bank on Fond De Lac was one of the targeted businesses of the unrest receiving thousands of dollars in damage.

Now bank is breaking ground on their soon to be new site.

A few blocks away a BP gas station was also a target when it was set on fire. That site is scheduled to be rebuilt but there is still some controversy between area residents and the business owner. Either way, that site is still scheduled to be back in service.

As developments and plans get underway, people in the area say they’re glad to see the progress and look forward to seeing a new life being brought in.

Aside from rebuilding the bank says they will be investing $2.8 million in the Milwaukee area, giving donations to nearly 200 organizations in the community.

The current building of the BMO bank has been a part of the community since the early 1920’s. The developer did not immediately announce future plans for the building but he says they plan on keeping the building in use through partnerships.