News

Business Growth in Lindsay Heights

1.10.2019
Basia Spencer, Owner of Basia Rose Designs
Basia Spencer, Owner of Basia Rose Designs

The holidays saw a little added glitz and glam in 2018 with the opening of Basia Rose Designs at 1617 W. North Avenue. Owner Basia Spencer was a Pop-Up MKE pilot participant this past summer. Basia secured a lease at the Wellness Commons in November through a contest hosted by Walnut Way, Business Improvement District (BID) #32, and LISC Milwaukee.

Upon entering the storefront, a celebratory spirit surrounds you; filled with sequins, satin fabric and gold and pink walls. Basia wanted to create a space that inspired customers with glam. As a Black-owned boutique, Basia Rose Designs features special event gowns, accessories, custom designs, and alterations. LISC Milwaukee worked with Marketplace BID #32 and Basia to refresh the business logo, have the storefront professionally painted, and name signage created for Basia Rose Designs.

The Pop-Up MKE program which is part of RampUp, a two part initiative, is an innovative approach to commercial corridor revitalization and was conducted in partnership with WWBIC, the City of Milwaukee and neighborhood BIDs in connection with MKE United. LISC, a CDFI collaborative and the City of Milwaukee plan to build upon this success in 2019 through the launch of Brew City Match. LISC received a ProNeighborhoods Grant from JPMorgan Chase for the collaborative to undertake Brew City Match. Visit our website to learn more and to stay up to date on opportunities associated with the program.