MidTown Tosa, the premier destination in central Wauwatosa promoting service, wellness and a sense of community along North Avenue, is delighted to report the approval of its Strategic Master Plan. On May 1, the Wauwatosa Common Council unanimously approved the Plan and incorporated it into the City’s Comprehensive Plan, turning a year-long effort into a vision and roadmap that will guide the evolution of this important district over the next ten to twenty years.

The development of the MidTown Master Plan was guided by an eleven person Steering Committee, consisting of neighbors, business owners, and local experts adept at urban planning. Included among this esteemed body were two Neighborhood Association Presidents and two members of the MidTown Tosa Board of Directors. Leading the data collection, facilitation of the process, and drafting of the Plan was RDG Planning & Design and the creative talents of Marty Shukert and Cory Scott, architects of similar master plans in the Village and East Tosa. Valuable guidance and insight was also provided by City of Wauwatosa staff and elected officials, including Mayor Kathy Ehley.

The Plan’s development followed an extremely transparent and public process, with over five hundred responses to an Online Survey, one hundred participants in a Spring 2017 Kickoff Meeting, five Focus Groups, three Design Studios, and over one hundred attendees at a Fall 2017 Open House. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in the creation of the Plan.

The Master Plan focuses on a diverse array of objectives, including redevelopment options, pedestrian and bike safety, traffic control, parking, street-scaping, public spaces, intersection enhancements and image and branding. There truly is something for everyone! But the Plan goes to great lengths to insure that MidTown’s current feel and patterns are retained. Ultimately, the Plan provides a vision that will guide this district for decades; be accomplished in important, but small steps; and be executed in a way that strengthens the interplay of neighbors and businesses.

Midtown Already Beginning to See the Subtle Changes Called For In the Plan:

  • Flashing crosswalk signs, speed limit displays, bike lanes, and Bublr Bike stations are making this a more pedestrian and bike friendly
  • New and expanded businesses have joined this growing destination, including Ray’s Growler Gallery, Thai-Namite Restaurant, Shine Salon, Cody & Company, AlignLife, and Design Vision. This spring will see the opening of MidTown Grill, the new location
  • Community events and initiatives have brought the businesses and neighbors together, including MidTown Tosa Week in July, the MidTown Madness Festival and 5K Run for Wellness coming up on July 21, Tosa Pediatrics

Join the transformation of Wauwatosa’s newest business district by making Midtown Tosa an even better place to live, work, shop and be.