Fruition MKE Crafting a Space for Milwaukee’s Makers and Shakers

In a recent Milwaukee Business Journal article, reporter Linda Price spoke with founders Tiffany Miller and Rachaad Howard about their latest venture, Fruition MKE, which is set to become a cornerstone of the Concordia 27 project. This innovative space is not just a café; it’s a beacon for community engagement and creativity, aiming to open its welcoming doors before early June.

At the Concordia 27 project at 2724 W. Wells St., Milwaukee, Fruition MKE is spearheaded by Tiffany Miller and Rachaad Howard. By early June, this initiative will blend café, retail, coworking, and creative spaces. The project, occupying approximately 4,000 square feet with 2,700 dedicated to the café, is part of a broader redevelopment effort that includes 33 affordable housing units and a health and wellness services hub.

Fruition MKE seeks to address the local need for accessible, healthy food options in an area described as a food desert by providing a welcoming place for the community to enjoy coffee and nutritious meals. Emphasizing local produce, Fruition MKE plans to collaborate with entrepreneurs using the shared kitchen space at Concordia 27, operated by the Center for Independence. This shared kitchen, which recently opened, aims to supply healthy meals to local schools and daycares while offering employment opportunities to those facing barriers to work.

Fruition MKE is more than a café; it’s a gathering place for creatives, coaches, business owners, artists, and real estate professionals. It will offer coworking and maker spaces on a membership basis for less than $200 per month. The space will be equipped with tools for creation, such as Cricut machines, heat presses, sewing machines, and art supplies, some of which have already been donated. Miller is particularly excited about featuring items from Street Biscuits N Bagels, a venture by her partner Howard, poised to be among the first to benefit from the shared kitchen facilities.

As Fruition MKE progresses towards its opening, it represents a significant step towards revitalizing the Concordia neighborhood and fostering a community space where creativity and collaboration can thrive.