Transformed Building Supports Riding Bikes in Our Community
Co-owners Noel and Amelia Kegel set out to create a community hub when they purchased the vacant building in 2017. With a long history of supporting bike advocacy, the family had set up the Chris Kegel Foundation (CKF) in 2017 after the death of their father and former owner Chris Kegel. All profits from the new Joy Ride Cafe, where neighbors and bike enthusiasts can meet up for coffee, craft beers, pizza, bakery, and more, will benefit the CKF’s ongoing infrastructure projects. A second Joy Ride Cafe is set to open this winter at the Fox Point store.
“Our vision was to create a collaborative space of like-minded organizations and activities that engage and support the bike community,” said Noel Kegel. “The Wisconsin Bike Federation and Rails-To-Trails were excited to join us in creating this unique opportunity to combine education, events, and advocacy in one place.”
“The Wisconsin Bike Fed is excited about the synergy generated from working alongside our partners the Rails To Trails Conservancy and the Chris Kegel Foundation to create safe places for people to ride bikes,” said Kirsten Finn, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Bike Federation. “Our new home provides an opportunity for Bike Fed staff to be more physically accessible to our members, new riders and the general public. This inviting space has the potential to be a true gathering space for the cycling community.”
In addition to the Chris Kegel Foundation, Wisconsin Bike Federation, and Rails-To-Trails Route of the Badger, offices, the new location includes event space for community meetings, concerts, fundraisers, and more. The company’s corporate headquarters have also relocated from Hales Corners.
Creativity abounds in every aspect of the new building. Playful murals adorn the outside of the building. “Ride A Bike Around Milwaukee,” created by local artists Alison Galarza and Sydney Romero, faces Becher Street. Painter Ras’ammar Nsoroma’s mural of three bike riders is by the entrance on Robinson street.
Located in Mliwaukee’s Harbor District, the 100-year old building went through extensive renovations maintaining its industrial roots as a foundry, while updating the space for modern use. Architect Russell LaFrombois, III and general contractor Project 4 Services worked to design and execute the bike shop and community hub vision. The results are an inviting, open space with cream city brick, riveted-steel columns and trusses, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
“We kept the P&H overhead crane, which still rolls, as a key element,” said Amelia Kegel, “We worked really hard on this project. It’s our forever home and we’re excited to welcome in our new neighbors and community for many years to come.”
Wheel & Sprocket Bay View bike shop and Joy Ride Cafe will be open Monday-Friday 12:00 - 6:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 -4:00 PM. Local COVID-pandemic guidelines on masks and occupancy are in effect.
The Link LonkNovember 24, 2020 at 12:29AM
https://www.bicycleretailer.com/announcements/2020/11/23/wheel-sprocket-opens-first-urban-milwaukee-bike-shop-and-community-hub
Wheel & Sprocket Opens First Urban Milwaukee Bike Shop and Community Hub - Bicycle Retailer
https://news.google.com/search?q=Wheel&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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