Our Menomonee Valley branch is open!
We're so excited! Thank you to our many funding partners, project partners and a multi-million dollar gift from the Burke Foundation, The Urban Ecology Center and Menomonee Valley Partners opened the Urban Ecology Center Menomonee Valley branch on September 8th, 2012! The branch is an important milestone in our joint partnership, Menomonee Valley – From the Ground Up (Click here to see a list of the supporters of this amazing project).
Visit us! We really want to show you our new home and introduce you to the growing Menomonee Valley park. Participate in one of our public programs (find them on our calendar) or just stop in.
Our address is:
3700 W. Pierce St.
Milwaukee, WI 53215
Our open hours are:
Tuesday – Friday | Noon - 7 p.m.
Saturday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This “green” environmental community center was once a vacant tavern at 37th and Pierce. Designed by Uihlein Wilson Architects, the branch will open to serve eight schools and grow to serve 22 south side schools who are clamoring for our Neighborhood Environmental Education Project. Like our buiding in Riverside Park, our Menomonee Valley branch will serve as a model of "green" building options.
To help you get to know our new facility, we thought it might be fun to challenge you to a mini-scavenger hunt! See if you can find the following features (there is even a Visitors Guide to help you out!)...
Snake Handle: Which door handle in the building takes the shape of a snake?
Mosaic Mural: Under the direction of artist Leann Wooten, our mosaic was made by neighborhood children, teens and adults. See if you can find the three moons depicted in the mural, symbolizing our three branches.
Exposed wooden wall: Find the exposed wooden wall from the original exterior of the tavern. Look for where a former window was filled in, and the name of a lumber company!
Solatubes: Solatube skylight fixtures help us use natural light and dispense it throughout the facility. See if you can find these innovative light fixtures throughout the building (don’t forget to check the roof!).
Square water containers: Find the post-industrial bulk containers that help us collect rainwater from our roof.
Come see the collective impact of government, businesses, nonprofits and community members all working to revitalize the heart of the city. Visit, volunteer and become a member today.
See more photos from the Grand Opening below and on our Facebook page.
