North Avenue Market Food Hall in Milwaukee was Created to Bring Communities Together
Soft opening of the North Avenue Market. (Picture by Richard Woods)
William C. (Chris) Morse had a vision of owning a coffee shop which has evolved into a food hall with a drive-thru. The North Avenue Market, located at 5900 North Avenue Milwaukee , WI 53208, opened in late September 2022 and has received support from around the state of Wisconsin, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
“We’re trying to be open and vulnerable to create a space for communities to connect,” said Morse. “This is one component and if we all do our part, we can have a diverse city.”
William C. (Chris) Morse. (Picture by Richard Woods)
The market was an idea Morse had back in 2019. Morse originally wanted to lease a building but couldn’t find one he liked. Eventually, with the support from his husband, he bought an old Associated Bank building and re-developed it. According to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the $2.2 million building is partially being financed by a $1.86 million loan from Milwaukee Economic Development Corp.
The North Avenue Market has two levels. The upper level has a coffee shop that can be accessed inside, by drive-through, or by a walk-up window. There’s an island bar that has table height seating for wheel-chair bound customers. Five vendors, a stage for musicians, and other entertainment are located on the upper level as well.
There’s an elevator to access both floors. The Garden Level, or lower level, has three food vendors booths, a massage/facial vendor, pop-up space, a cocktail bar, a conference/classroom, five office spaces, and more.
“It’s about creating a space that builds community,” he said. “What part are you going to play in being a bridge builder?”