"An incredible investment:" $20M project brings construction barrels to heart of Wauwatosa

WAUWATOSA -- Big changes are on the way in Wauwatosa as a new construction began on Monday, May 9th.

Wauwatosa streetscaping project

"It's an incredible investment. I mean, this is the heart and soul of Wauwatosa. It's the original downtown," said Jim Plaisted, executive director of the Wauwatosa Village Business Improvement District.

Plaisted said this is the first of a three-phase, $20 million streetscaping project.

Phase One involves extending Harwood Avenue. It is causing the closure of State Street from Wauwatosa Avenue to Church Street from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. The work is expected to continue until November.

Wauwatosa streetscaping project

"Part of the reason for signage like this is to not just see the daunting 'Detour' and 'Road Closed Ahead' -- but to let people know, 'OK, I'm going to Le Reve. I know it's open. I just got to find a different way, down to that little path to get in there," Plaisted said.

Meanwhile, area businesses say they are prepared for the project.

Wauwatosa streetscaping project

"We understand it's going to be a little hectic with the streets and everything. But there's ways around it," said Tim Minor with Le Reve Patisserie & Cafe. "As a business, we kind of planned for it the whole year. And we've kind of started a couple little, different promotions. And other things that we've started up, just to keep the business happy."

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