Earth Day Clean-Up

Join us for an Earth Day Clean-Up on Military Avenue!

Monday, April 29th at 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM

BMO Harris parking lot on Military Avenue. 

Meet up with students from the Academy at East High School to help us clean up the street after our long winter.

Bright t-shirts, rakes, pickers, gloves and bags will be available. Volunteers will work for two hours and return to the parking lot for light refreshments.

Contact Leah if you can help!! Director@militaryave.org or 920-544-9503

Calling All Artists!

Do you want to see your creation on Military Avenue?

The Green Bay Public Arts Commission (GBPAC) is assisting the Green Bay Military Avenue Business District to place artwork within Military Avenue. We are seeking visual artists to submit their artwork for possible placement on utility boxes located on Military Avenue. ARTPOWER will give Green Bay artists the opportunity to transform ordinary objects of urban infrastructure into something fun and unique, enhancing our public spaces.

The images submitted will be reviewed for these features: 

  • high quality
  • engaging
  • positive

The design should reflect concepts of:

  • Green Bay
  • pride
  • community
  • diversity
  • patriotism
  • unity
  • and togetherness

All application materials must be received via email or physical copy by 5:00pm on April 30, 2019. Applicants with technical limitations, and for general questions, please contact the Public Arts Coordinator: laurasc@greenbaywi.gov

Military Ave. Utility Box Art Press Release

A complete application, with many more details of the requirements, is attached here. Military Utility Box Art Program – Final 

“Storm Water Management” the short of it.

Brief Info About Storm Water Management 

I’ve recently heard concerns regarding stormwater management regulations on property owners. There is a common belief that owners cannot improve their property without having to comply with modern stormwater regulations, requiring the owner to pay for costly stormwater infrastructure. This concern prevents owners from investing in their properties, and suppresses economic growth within our District.

With that in mind, I recently met with the City’s Department of Public Works to learn about stormwater management requirements, and to identify ways the Military Avenue BID may play a role in facilitating new investments in our properties and stormwater infrastructure. Here is what I learned:

 

  • Stormwater management requirements are established by the Wisconsin DNR, and enforced by the City as required by State Law. 
  • To develop previously undisturbed land, developers are required to install facilitates that capture and treat stormwater to reduce flooding and water pollution.
  • Because Military Avenue properties primarily developed in the 1960s and 1970s, most properties do not meet current standards for stormwater management.
  • Military Avenue properties do not need to comply with current stormwater requirements unless they disturb one half-acre of soil through redevelopment.
  • Remodeling your existing building will not trigger compliance with current regulations.
  • You cannot piecemeal a bigger redevelopment project into several small projects to skirt the rules, as they will review recently approved development permits.

The City is and the Military Avenue BID want to be a resource and partner to property owners interested in addressing stormwater. There are several best management practices for stormwater management, some of which are fairly easy and affordable. Please check out these links below for more information and contact me if you’re interested in working together on a project.

I hope that this takes some of the uncertainty out of considering development in Military Avenue. Addressing flooding and water pollution, especially in the Green Bay area, is important and much more is known about what to do and how to do it today than when we were first constructed in the 1960s and 1970s. Let me know if you have any questions or if I can help you in any way.

Breakfast and a Cause!

What could possibly be better than
Breakfast on Military Avenue? 

Breakfast and a Cause!

Join us for breakfast on Military Avenue during Give BIG Green Bay, Feb. 21 (restaurant open to noon)!
Visit any of these restaurants on the morning of Feb. 21 during Give BIG Green Bay to receive a $2 coupon with information about how you can give to St. John’s.
Donations will be accepted at each location!
**The Pancake Place** Opens 5AM
**The Golden Basket** Opens 6AM
**Bay Motel & Family Restaurant** Opens 6AM
**Vitality Nutrition** Opens 7AM
In partnership with the Military Ave. Business District.
ABOUT St. John’s Shelter
St. John’s Shelter is a seasonal, emergency, shelter of last resort for homeless adults in the community. It seeks to meet people where they’re at on their journey and provide compassionate support.In addition to the overnight shelter, St. John’s runs the Micah Center, a year-round daytime resource center for anyone who is homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. With onsite case management, medical care, a mental health therapist and computer lab, the Micah Center helps individuals experiencing homelessness receive wraparound support on their journey back towards self-sufficiency.

Our newest program, Wellspring, is a daytime resource center just for women in the heart of downtown Green Bay. The center provides a peaceful, caring place to connect with other women who are facing similar issues and difficulties, especially when their lives get very challenging. For many women in transition, Wellspring serves as another family, a place to belong, a friend away from home – with programming focusing on mind, body and spirit.

ABOUT Breakfast on Military
Military Avenue is home to the best breakfasts in the area! And, when your breakfast falls into the afternoon hours, this is the place to go for all-day breakfast! Even McDonald’s recently made breakfast sandwiches available all day.

New vendors at the market this week

This week at the Winter Market on Military we will have five new vendors. 

Rachel, from the Military Avenue Book Stop will have a bag sale of best sellers. Come to check out what you can get! 

 

Gerald “Bud”, will bring his antler art. He has been at our summer market before but this will be his first time attending the winter market. 

 

Keeping Door County Clean is Lyneea’s business. She makes healthy cleaning products.  

 

 

 

St. John’s Homeless Shelter will be at the information booth with options on how you can stretch your donation on Give Big GB day. Our great Military Avenue breakfast places will be giving a $2 coupon for people on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 21, letting them know how to donate that day. Golden Basket, The Pancake Place, Bay Motel and Family Restaurant, and Vitality Nutrition are participating! Plan to have breakfast that day!
Here is a link to the poster. ALL Military Ave Poster

 

Joel and his son Brandon will be selling microgreens at the Market on Military. Whispering Willow Gardens is located in Brussels, WI. They are new to the microgreen business.
  
He has some varieties that you may want to experience. Have you ever tried popcorn microgreens? 

 

The Winter Market on Military is this Saturday, Feb. 16 from 9-2 PM. Corner of Fisk and W Mason Street in the GB Plaza.

Thanks to our sponsors, BayCare Clinics, North Shore Bank, The Green Bay Plaza, Quick Signs and TJ Maxx. 

 

Shopko Store Closing Begins

10% to 30% Off  – as our local store closes 

After filing Chapter 11 in mid January, Shopko has started to close it’s first ever Military Avenue store. The first signs to appear are 10%-30% off.

This hometown store was a staple in the neighborhood for over 50 years. “All the things I grew up with are leaving,” said a man standing in front of the store.

After over 50 years of business, changes in ownership, and adding hundreds of stores across the country, that is not a bad “success story” for a business that started with one store in April of 1962. Things change and so do our shopping habits. Retail business is a very competitive market and the model they were using was not working anymore. That said, they were a great business for many years. Based on visual observations, they were still successful with the pharmacy and eyeglass departments.

As they wind down over 100 store closings including the Military Avenue Store #1, you will see discounts. They set April 15th as the last day in our district. Others will be phased out as early as February 15th. 

In the restructuring allowed in a Chapter 11 filing, they will try to operate on a smaller scale and sell off aspects of the company. All of that will be watched and then the courts will determine if they are allowed to stay in business or will need to make plans for further closings and liquidation. That deadline is coming in the middle of March.

Change is hard and a lot of long time employees will need to find work. Those are two of the worst parts of Shopko’s closing. And, a lot of walking customers will now need to travel further but there are still accessible pharmacies.

If you have ideas or gaps in services you will face on Military Avenue, or if you have thoughts for a good business to located in that high traffic part of Military Avenue, let us know. Email to Director@militaryave.org.

Shopko closes its first ever store and others

As I discussed our Military Avenue wish list with the Green Bay Press Gazette, I knew that one of our long time businesses was struggling.

Shopko opened it very first store on Military Avenue in the early 1960’s and went on to expand across the upper midwest. It is sad to see the closing of the Military Avenue store, slated for April 15.

Changes in the shopping patterns of people has put pressure on retailers to change. With a booming pharmacy and eye glass center, Shopko couldn’t keep the rest of the store floating. As they close, I can only hope that the space they now occupy will become more vibrant and create a destination for people to come to Military Avenue.

Not only was the Shopko store a staple in our district, the Shopko Foundation was also a supporter of our farmers market. We will miss Shopko. It is unclear how the chapter 11 restructuring will play out but closing the Military Avenue store most likely means that they will not be located here anymore. The property is owned by a different party so they should be able to move ahead without any delays from the chapter 11 filing.

To read the wish list article, click the link below.

https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/money/2019/01/13/2019-wish-list-leah-weycker-wants-clinic-restaurant-military-avenue/2490950002/?fbclid=IwAR1OzGgKVfG87DVEpdFjhvFj9utB02Vd7D3VAYofXOuicXyCo5W-dBuNO9c

To read Fox 11’s article, click the link below.

https://fox11online.com/news/local/green-bay/military-avenue-has-another-big-box-to-replace-with-shopkos-closure?fbclid=IwAR1-TvNVQERdcfOnK41NaLQbNqoFs3JMtVX1YxWNSJ46yL5Tl9FwW7IRfiQ

As for our wish list, I wish for a vibrant new business or activity venue to come into the district and fill some of the empty spots. A commercial kitchen with start up restaurants would be a great fit for the former Old Country Buffet space. And new businesses needing to test their product or service can find a short term lease on Military Avenue with our Pop-Up program.

Suggestions on what businesses are wanted in the district is helpful. Please send me your suggestions and I will pass them on to the property owners. director@militaryave.org is the email.

New Year – New You, Tea and Spa

Treat yourself in 2019!

The new QTea Premium Tea House and Sense Spa is now open!

The transformation of a traditional building (former auto repair) to a zen-like spa is done and it is spectacular!

From the beautiful glass walls outside to the relaxing interior, they created a true jem! The multifaceted business has a “treat” in store for all of your senses. Let me take you on a short tour.

Moon Gate

Enter the Tea Room. 

The “moon gate” is traditional in Vietnam. Walk through for love, happiness, and good fortune! Past the gateway you will be in a lovely, modern tea room with a huge assortment of teas and “by the pound” frozen yogurt (coming this summer). The rippled, disposable cups are a tactile experience with consideration of the environment.

I had a traditional Vietnamese coffee that was on the opposite side of bitter. Mellow and flavorful and definitely on my list of favorites.

Tea sets and supplies are also for sale. They display one glass pot that you can fill from the top, empty from the bottom, and reuse the teaspoon of dry tea three times before refilling. That is getting the most from your tea experience or just let them make it for you. Each flavor and type brings a unique taste experience either hot or cold, bubble tea or dry tea. A reward program will get you a deal on the 10th.

 

Loose tea flavors for you to smell, order and then sip and enjoy.
Several flavors of frozen yogurt including green tea, black tea and of course chocolate and vanilla are on “by the ounce” sale.

Hammer and Nails Spa

Move to the Hammer and Nails section of the spa for a private retreat with a neutral, earthy flair. This space can be used as a private spa party location. A TV is on the way for the ultimate GB football watching pedicure. Down the hallway are more private and couple rooms for massage and esthetician services. Each room is tranquil, clean and relaxing.

Salt room

Breath in the Himalayan Salt Room   

Then, the big surprize! A Himalayan salt ROOM. The wall of the room is stacked with bricks of Himalayan salt, zero gravity chairs and blankets. After standing in the room for five minutes, I could feel my breathing become clearer. Licking my lips, I could taste the salt in the air. This is on my friend list for places to go. A 45 minute retreat in this room is just what I need for my 2019 pleasure tasks.

Steam Room and Lockers

Just past the salt room is a mens and womens locker and steam room. A few minutes in the steam shower and then into the salt room would be a perfect sense awakening experience. They may need to wake you when your time is up because you can become that relaxed.

End at the Mani Pedi Room

Around the corner is the main salon with several chairs for manicures and pedicures. The circles and calm interior decor continues through this room. There has been no lack of detail in each design decision and lighting choice, and it shows.

Treat yourself

Book some time at the new Q-Tea House and Sense Spa in 2019. Or pick up a perfect couples gift for Valentines Day!

Q-Tea Premium Tea House and Sense Spa is located at 124 S Military Avenue on Green Bay’s west side.  (920) 490-7832 You can like them on Facebook.

 

Is this your new business?

Property Available!

This could be your new business space. 838 – 842 S. Military Avenue

The building has great visibility on the busy Military Avenue on Green Bay’s west side. By June of 2019, the entire 8,064 sq. ft. space will be available for sale or lease. It currently has temporary, moveable walls in 5,964 sq. ft. that is available now.

The owner has the property listed on Co-Star for $499,900 with possible seller financing available.

Within the Military Avenue Business Improvement District, you can qualify for low interest loans and facade grants to work with this space. The potential for redevelopment of the area is great and the former Sears building, located right across the street, will be seeing changes too.

Contact the property owner Jerry or Military Avenue, Inc. at millertimemedia@aol.com or director@militaryave.org or 920-544-9503.