Milwaukee leaders host ribbon cutting for new Vel R. Phillips Plaza

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- What was once an old parking lot in downtown Milwaukee has been transformed into a gathering space, honoring a trailblazer from the city's history.

Milwaukee leaders hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, June 28, for the new Vel R. Phillips Plaza.

The fresh pavement and green space sits off of Wisconsin avenue, just outside of the Baird Center, serving as a public gathering space.

"My mom was about building bridges between people, and I want this space to commemorate that and provide history for that," said Michael Phillips, son of Vel R. Phillips.

Its name honors the legacy of Vel R. Phillips, the first African American and first woman on Milwaukee's common council, the first female judge in Milwaukee County, and the first Black judge in Wisconsin.

"We all owe Vel a significant amount of gratitude, not just for her service in public office, but for her service outside of public office, for helping to continue to move the dialogue in this community forward," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Kiosks set throughout the space tell her story, thanks to her son, Michael.

"I was able to actually fill the kiosks with not only my words but with the pictures of my mom and my family and my life," Michael Phillips said.

The plaza will include the things Vel Phillips loved most.

"The Aspen trees, her favorite," Michael said. "They're going to serve ice cream, my mom's favorite thing."

It's also a transportation hub, with a Milwaukee County Bus Rapid Transit stop and a future streetcar expansion.

"This I think is going to be a critical linchpin in seeing more growth, more development not just downtown, but across the city of Milwaukee," Mayor Johnson said.

A food and beverage vendor is set to open at the plaza this fall, along with a special commissioned art installation in honor of Phillips.