Milwaukee leaders officially break ground on future Vel R. Phillips Plaza

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Construction is underway for a new public space to gather in Milwaukee's downtown area.

Milwaukee city leaders held a ceremony Friday to break ground on the future Vel R. Phillips Plaza.

The 30,000-square foot plaza is planned between N. 5th Street and Vel Phillips Avenue, just off W. Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee's West Town neighborhood.

"If my mom were here, she would be so excited. She'd be over the moon with it," said Vel Phillips' son, Michael Phillips.

Vel R. Phillips was a trailblazing activist. She served as 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.

"My mom stood for everyone, for every Wisconsinite," her son said.

The Vel R. Phillips Plaza will provide a green gathering space across the street from the Baird Convention Center, previously known as the Wisconsin Center.

"You want to have inviting places, where folks can come down off the hustle and bustle," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

The city hopes to make it a transit stop for the Connect 1 rapid bus line and the Milwaukee streetcar.

"This location is smack-dab in the middle of everything, and that will bode well for transit riders, no matter what sort of transit you use," Mayor Johnson said.

The plaza will also have a dining area. The city is currently taking proposal applications for the space.

"Let's work together to create another wonderful addition to the great culinary and food scene that we have right here in the city of Milwaukee," Johnson said.

Vel Phillips' legacy will be on display throughout the space, with informational kiosks and public art installations.

Her son hopes her values will inspire visitors.

"We can listen to each other without judgement. You can actually walk in someone else's shoes a little bit, and that's okay to do," Michael said.

City leaders hope to have the plaza open by July 2024, just in time for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.