MKE Urban Stables breaks ground on first of its kind facility

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday in Bay View marking the beginning of construction on a first of its kind facility.

MKE Urban Stables will be the first in the nation to combine mounted police patrol, equine-assisted therapy and community outreach.

The 30,000 sq. ft. facility will hold 24 horses. Twelve of the horses will be from the Milwaukee Police Department’s Mounted Patrol unit. The facility will have a riding arena, viewing areas, classrooms and a multi-purpose room.

The equine therapy programs will benefit local students and veterans.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales and other community leaders participated in the groundbreaking. 

“Kids, veterans, police together under one roof and I think it helps people work together as people in this community, not as officers or kids or vets separately, but together,” MKE Urban Stables Board of Directors president Kent Lovern said. "I think that will make our community stronger."

The $5 million project is expected to be complete in January.