Milwaukee’s central city entrepreneurial hub
Sherman Phoenix recently announced some updates to its branding and operations.
The venue at 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave. is now known as the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace, which operators say better represents its identity as both a small business hub as a community gathering space where visitors can shop, eat and drink, find services ranging from business support to art therapy, and attend events.
"The addition of 'Marketplace' in our name breathes clarity into the expanding vision of the Sherman Phoenix, even as the legacy we have built continues,” said JoAnne Johnson-Sabir, co-developer of Sherman Phoenix Marketplace. "This is a place for all who live, work and serve in community, and our engagement with our neighbors continues to grow and be re-imagined."
The $3.5 million Sherman Phoenix redevelopment project opened in late 2018, breathing new life into a BMO Harris Bank branch building that was burned during civil unrest two years prior. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hub’s 29 tenants
remained in business, some initially pivoting to curbside, carry-out or wholesale operations. In June last year, the building's atrium and events space officially
reopened for public gatherings.
Since 2021, Sherman Phoenix has welcomed several new tenants:
- Allen & Associates Inc., an American Family Insurance agency run by agent Melissa Allen
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CTRL C, a copy and print service company that "aims to give a professional voice and presence to trend-setting business leaders and companies."
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Juniors Smoked BBQ and Veggie Soul, a restaurant serving smoked meats and vegan options and homemade barbecue sauces.
- Milwaukee Tattoo Society, run by Milwaukee tattoo artist, Rahdahshay Dortch.
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Valencia Lynn Beauty Bar, a salon that offers nail care services including pedicures, press-on nails, and beauty products.
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Who’s Cooking, a pop-up kitchen run by chefs with various food backgrounds.
Later this year, Happy Days Day Bar will open at the Marketplace.
Sherman Phoenix also announced several upgrades to its facility including the addition of an ATM that will not charge fees for BMO Harris Bank customers, website updates to provide real-time information about upcoming events and current tenants open for business, and expanded hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. Previously, the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace closed at 6 p.m. It remains closed on Sundays and Mondays.
"I'm very excited to see the Sherman Phoenix continue to rise and evolve with these updates, including a name that fits our purpose," said TrueMan McGee, Funky Fresh Spring Rolls owner and Sherman Phoenix Marketplace tenant. "I’m looking forward to more growth, and the expansion of our hours into the evening will allow more people to visit after they get off work."
Through the Sherman Phoenix Foundation - the hub's new nonprofit arm that was announced last summer - Sherman Phoenix Marketplace now hosts two monthly event series. BlackOut Pop-Up Markets showcases goods and services by local entrepreneurs, and Youth Trap Therapy pairs urban hip hop music with conversations about mental health and emotional wellness.
Stacia Thompson was named as the foundation's first executive director in January.
