UWM Could Build Cool 5th Ward Annex, Or Campus, Housing Freshwater School

UWM could initiate a design competition to capture the urban hipness of the 5th Ward, and views of the Harbor, freighters, tug boats and other water-based industrial sites if it choose to put its new School of Freshwater Science at or near the current Great Lakes WATER Institute where E. Greenfield Ave. meets the water.

The area is within walking distance of the downtown, the Third Ward, the near South side's restaurant district and other cool spots.

Remember philosopher/planner Richard Florida's concept of the "creative class," and its gravitation to funky urban settings?

The Fifth Ward fits that construct perfectly, enhanced by a new specialized big-city school.

And its close to transit connections, the airport and the Intermodal station downtown, too.

UWM has the chance to do something really great in the City if it is willing to make the leap.