Bookstore, café and community space planned for Milwaukee's Nash Park neighborhood

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After the Milwaukee Common Council adopted a file authorizing the sale of a city-owned tax deed property in the Nash Park neighborhood, Darick Spears is a step closer to expanding his business and turning a new page for his community.

For five years, Spears has owned and operated Darick Books, located at 2877 North 76th Street. Spears creates his own books, albums and art, all made by himself at his location on the north side. He aims to support people to publish their own work through his business. 

“Every day I love what I do, and I get to help people every single day," Spears said.

Spears aims to open "Darick Books Café Complex" in a vacant building down the street from the current location of his business. 

The property, vacant since 2011, will be developed into a multi-purpose facility for community engagement, entrepreneurial growth and provide an environment to uplift, teach and create. The first level will include a co-working space, laundromat and gym for co-working members, and the second level will house Darick Books Café, book sales and printing services.

“It’s going to not just transform that intersection right there, it’s going to hopefully create a trend in that area.," said Alderman Lamont Westmoreland with the Milwaukee Common Council. “That’s a creative space for creative people to work, and it’s a space to build community."

Proposed renovations will represent a nearly $1 million investment that will uplift the surrounding area. It is anticipated that the new space will be open within the next 18 months.

Spears is excited for the business's next chapter. 

“I’m just getting started," Spears said.