The east end of West Allis lost hundreds of jobs with the closing of Allis-Chalmers, Pressed Steele Tank, Kearney Trecker and several other businesses. Now, these empty and, in some cases, torn down buildings are being revitalized. This area of our city has always been known as a blue collar section. Now, with revitalization, we are seeing and will be seeing more white collar jobs along with the blue collar jobs the area is known for. Many of us that reside in the area and even into the western areas are unaware of the job growth that is, has and will be taking place. For instance, take a drive down the 70th Street corridor heading north. Just past MATC on your left check out the new businesses on your left. Then take a turn right at Washington Street. Did you know that there's a hospice there? Did you know that Blue Cross/Blue Shield has office space there? More than 250,000 sq. ft. of the old Allis-Chalmers buildings are and will be revamped into some very cool professional office space and manufacturing jobs that will be paying a living wage for families. Rupena's has a small restaurant in that area too. All this job growth boils down to $180,000 in new taxable value and the addition of over 4,600 jobs in the area. All of this growth spells property tax relief for the city.
If you happen to drive on West National Avenue check out the progress in the Six Points area. The lofts, condos and flats are going up quicker than the dandelions come up in the springtime. The Paradise Theater building comes with a lively past and is undergoing some changes again. Once upon a time it presented vaudeville acts. It used to have an orchestra pit and dressing rooms behind the stage. Then it became a movie theater and remained that for many years. Now its owned by a church group that wants to put a coffee shop in the front part that faces the Six Points.
Driving west into the Pioneer Neighborhood ( S.80th and National ) The new Pyramax Bank is up and operating now. West Allis Animal Hospital has their new million dollar addition up along with a small parking lot. They do great work there and are very compassionate if an older or very ill animal has to be put down. Across the street in the old Laidlaw bus company area the construction is going on for the new two and four story residential building for many levels of senior housing. There will be 200 units with green space landscaping. This should be completed by the end of this year.
There will also be more changes at State Fair Park too. When this year's State Fair is done, construction will begin on a sports-themed national chain restaurant and a 104 room hotel complex. The restaurant will be Quaker State Steak & Lube and it'll be located on the east side of the Milwaukee Mile. There's tons of folks that travel with the race schedule that will now be able to stay right at the track along with folks who attend the various events at the Fair Grounds.
Our city hall also will be having the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand new Centennial Plaza Park on the Greenfield Ave side of City Hall. This will be taking place on Sunday, June 8th and it'll be celebrating West Allis's 100th birthday. So, come to the East End and watch the growth and revitalization progress.
