Doors Open: 11,000+ Visitors

This year the Near West Side was a featured neighborhood during the Doors Open 2019. All seven neighborhoods had sites for Doors Open weekend.

During the last week of September, over 11,000 people enjoyed 15 different sights and a few performances, food and drink as part of Historic Milwaukee’s Doors Open event. Visitors to the Near West Side enjoyed the National Building Museum’s exhibit “Evicted”, inspired by Matthew Desmond’s book of the same name, and local businesses, like Central Standard Distillery and Hands and In Harmony.

The Near West Side was the featured neighborhood for the Doors Open event. Working closely with Grace Fuhr, Director of Special Events, Keith Stanley visited various media outlets including TMJ4’s Morning Blend and WMSE 91.7’s “The Radio Drill Time” to promote and discuss the sights and sound featured that weekend.

A feature for the weekend included NWSP’s “September Guide to the Near West Side” a exploration bingo game with prizes for those attending as many Door Open sites as possible. 64 people played the game each winning gift cards from local businesses and the grand prize going to a young girl named, Patience and her family. The family came to the NWSP office to pick up the grand prize to include Marquette University swag, a signed copy of Matthew Desmond’s book, a one night stay at the Ambassador Hotel and much more.

Doors Open 2019 was a major success for the Near West Side and could not have not have happen without Grace Fuhr and the Historic Milwaukee team going over and beyond. We also thank the many volunteers, NWSP staff, local businesses and the community for supporting such a great event.