New BMO Harris Bank opens in Milwaukee's Sherman Park neighborhood

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Another sign of recovery in Milwaukee's Sherman Park neighborhood. BMO Harris opened a new bank, more than a year after the violent unrest.

It was one of several businesses burned down last August.  The new building is completely updated and continuing the progress being made in the Sherman Park community.

On opening day, BMO Harris said not only was there a line of customers outside the door but ones who had been coming to their Sherman Park location for years.

"Our customers were our number one reason for staying in this community. We got calls from all over about this branch. We have customers that have been here literally 30-40 years with BMO. They would call our corporate, there were notes and letters," said Danielle Jackson, Branch Manager.

They got more than they wanted because the brand new building is a smart branch with the latest technology. It's the only one like it in the state.

"BMO is saying we're here, and we hear you," said Joanne Sabir, Sherman Phonexi Co. Developer.

In BMO's old location, Sherman Phoneix Developers have secured roughly two million dollars and need about a million more to put a hub for businesses and entrepreneurs.

"We're looking for more partnership, more support, more of an ability to lean into what's innovative and working in the community," said Sabir.

Other businesses damaged in the unrest are following suit. The BP on Sherman and Burleigh has new concrete slabs in the ground as of today. Next, the building's frame will go up. It should be finished in 4 to 6 months if weather permits.