Special celebration held at new Sherman Phoenix

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's been more than two years since the police shooting death of Sylville Smith sparked violent unrest in Milwaukee's Sherman Park neighborhood.

During that time, the BMO Harris Bank Branch was destroyed.

Now, that building has turned into something positive for the community.

A special celebration was held inside the former BMO Harris Bank Branch on Friday evening. It was reborn from the ashes as the new Sherman Phoenix.

This was thanks to a team of developers and $4 million from investors and donors.

The project drew the eyes of 28 small business owners who now call the building home.

"So much that is going on in this building. When you walk in, it's like a feeling, it's like a vibe. When I walked in, I was like we have to do it," said Latrice Nelson, owner of Shampooed.

The spaces range from restaurants to shops, art, mental health, and wellness.