Community Member Seeks Opportunity to Open a Community Donut Shop on North Ave.
The City has gained this building through property tax foreclosure and has had control over it twice in the last 30 years. (Picture by Anyiah Chambers)
The recent drive to "buy back the block," and revitalize communities is happening right here in our own backyard. The idea of buying back the block is about retaining the Black dollar and uplifting our communities by bringing in Black operators to ultimately bridge the gap.
Community member Fred Chambers grew up in the city of Milwaukee. He is a Minister at Straight and Narrow Way Missionary Baptist Church, an entrepreneur, and real estate investor, who has the idea of opening up a donut shop to add vibrancy near the block of 41st and North Ave.
The listing of the property community member Fred Chambers wants to attain.
“I noticed that there were little to no businesses or anything open on from what we know up to this point. And I see value and opportunities there. So, I had an idea to buy real estate there and a partner of mine mentioned that I should try to open a donut shop,” said Chambers.
Chambers' long-time business partner Mike Robertson was a huge asset in coming up with the idea of a donut shop, said Chambers. Chambers embraced the idea because it would be something new and different for the demographic area.
“This area of North Avenue is definitely up and coming. After we get the improvements that are needed to open, we hope to see more community individuals open businesses also,” said Robertson.
After the idea was proposed to Chambers, the COVID-19 pandemic began aggressively spreading through the city and the next steps for the business were put on hold. Even with the hold ups, Chambers plans on attaining the property once the courts open back up in a few weeks.
“My initial idea was to open a tech hub facility where we would teach and mentor youth about the IT industry, as the stem field is becoming more popular,” said Chambers.
Chambers estimates the revitalization of the building will cost $250,000, which includes roof repairing, new flooring, plumbing and electrical, new doors, larger windows and a host of other city guidelines.
Fred Chambers. (Picture by Anyiah Chambers)
Chambers, with the help and support of family, friends and community members, will take on the task of rehabilitating the property whenever possible.
“We would like for the community to be partners. Like how Woodman’s is employee owned, I would like for the donut shop to be community owned. With that, that creates job opportunities and self pride,” said Chambers.
“Community members truly bring results. This is their community and giving back to it by patronizing it, is what truly matters in the end,” Robertson added.
Teon Hollin has been an entrepreneur and owner of Shorty's Ink for 2 1/2 years, which resides on the same block where Chambers and Robertson plan on starting their business.
“I think having a donut shop in the neighborhood is a good idea. The block could definitely use positive images around the neighborhood,” said Hollins. “The area could use more businesses that would help the community out [and] plan activities, so that the community can see a good cause going on.”
The opening of the donut shop is just the start of something bigger.
On July 14, 2014, the City gained the building through property tax foreclosure. This is the second time that the City has taken control of the building in the last 30 years.
Chambers has a GoFundMe to raise money for the revitalization of the building. To donate, click here.
If you want to help in redeveloping the block, call Fred Chambers at 414-702-4316 or send an email to fred.chambers63@yahoo.com.