RadioMilwaukee Purchases Building in Fifth Ward for New Studio

In The Heart Of Town

Community-supported WYMS (88Nine RADIOMILWAUKEE) has purchased a two-story, 14,000-square foot building in MILWAUKEE’s FIFTH WARD near downtown to house its studios, offices and a new 100-seat broadcast performance space.

The move to the new location -- expected later this year after the building is renovated -- will allow the six-year-old station to build a new state-of-the-art studio visible from the street and other facilities that will provide stronger connections between the community and the station.

"Our new facility will enable RADIOMILWAUKEE to enhance our programs and develop a greater physical presence in the community by bringing people together under one roof for events, live performances, broadcasts, student internships and discussions," Executive Director MARY LOUISE MUSSOLINE said.  "Our new home will allow RADIOMILWAUKEE to further our mission of helping to improve MILWAUKEE and creating a more inclusive and engaged city."

In addition, a new ground-floor STONE CREEK COFFEE cafe will be located in the facility in about 1,500 square feet that the station will lease.  The store will be the MILWAUKEE-based company’s 10th area cafe.

"Our partnership with RADIOMILWAUKEE dates back to the founding of the station," said ERIC RESCH, STONE CREEK’s Chief Sip Slowly Officer.  "It’s exciting for all of us to combine local coffee and local music under one roof -- a coffee and music jam!"

The project incorporates sustainability through the adaptive reuse of an existing building, use of repurposed and recycled materials, and capturing a portion of rainwater from the building through rain barrels and possibly a partial green roof.

The cost of the building purchase was $1.175 million. The station has kicked off a $2.8 million capital campaign, "Sound Foundation: Building a Better MILWAUKEE," that has so far raised $1.2 million.

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