Sherman Phoenix

The Sherman Phoenix is a model for healing our city by generating positive economic and social returns in communities of color. The civil unrest in Sherman Park in 2016 shed light on long-standing injustices and inequities, and the critical need for inclusive pathways to economic opportunities for all Milwaukeeans to thrive.

The project was completed in 2018 and enabled by a diverse funding strategy that blended public, philanthropic and community member support.  In 2023, the nearly one hundred original equity investors – made up of local community members – received a return on their investment when the asset was sold to the Sherman Phoenix Foundation.  The Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed to respond to overwhelming interest in the model from across the city, state and country.  Learn more about this Black-led organization at the Sherman Phoenix Foundation website. 

This Sherman Phoenix project used an innovative approach to leverage community assets and create a more inclusive economy.