Martin Drive, Milwaukee

The Martin Drive neighborhood of Milwaukee is a residential district on the west side of the city.

Morgan Martin, a Green Bay Lawyer and speculator, bought half of Solomon Juneau's Juneautown property for $500 in 1833.

In 1835 they co-founded their new village, with Martin responsible for the legal and promotional aspects while Juneau took care of local issues.

Martin, born in Martinsburg, New York in 1805 (his father founded the town), was a Wisconsin congressman, assemblyman, and state senator, as well as Oneida Indian Agent in Green Bay.

The subdivision developments of the Martin Drive neighborhood were the Park Front, Highland, Schmoldts, and Menomonee plats.

Revitalization efforts and corporate neighbors raised concerns and began to improve housing stock in the area.

Cleanup efforts gained support with some use of block grant funding for paint and fix-up programs.

The new owners discovered the convenient location saved them time and helped to improve their quality of life.

Other efforts by neighboring groups such as Vliet Street Business Association,[3] Habitat for Humanity International, the Marquette Interchange improvements, Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, and the efforts by nearby Miller Brewing Company and Harley-Davidson had positive economic effects on Martin Drive and other west side neighborhoods.

In the 21st century, improvements and updates continue as the city and neighborhood group focus on quality of life concerns.

In 2008, a Sunday farmer's market developed across the street from the neighborhood at the Washington Park Senior Center.

[4] In 2009, a community garden developed at 46th and Vliet Street with a green space neighbors use for summer picnics.

It is used as the fundraising arm for the neighborhood association to, "ensure and sustain the many activities and traditions that build community, promote neighborliness and makes Martin Drive Neighborhood a unique, safe and pleasant place to live, own a home and raise a family.