MILWAUKEE, WI – (April 2011) Historic Milwaukee, Inc (HMI) announces that it will present Mario and Cathy Costantini with its Historic Preservation Award at a reception scheduled for Thursday May 19th, 2011 in Riverwest. The Costantinis will be honored for both their community enhancement and preservation efforts in the neighborhood. The award and ceremony are in conjunction with HMI’s 30th Anniversary Spaces & Traces event taking place in Riverwest on Saturday May 21st, 2011.
Cathy and Mario Constantini have served as public stewards to promote the growth, sustainability and preservation of the Riverwest neighborhood since 1986 when they first purchased their building at 930 E. Burleigh St. to rehab and house their handmade furniture company, La Lune Collection. The Costantinis underwent a full conservation and preservation project that extended its reach well beyond the building itself and into the greater Riverwest community. Proving to be highly invested in the Riverwest area, Mario became aware of the needs of the neighborhood and in 1989 he and ESHAC Inc. opened the Holton Youth Center to provide a place for young people to engage in positive, community-building activities.
La Lune Collection, a furniture factory and showroom located at 930 E. Burleigh St. in Milwaukee, is inspired by the rustic furnishings once made by early artisans and continues making its furnishings entirely by hand, using the same methods and local materials. Another notable attribute to their success is their commitment to sustainability that is achieved by harvesting only fast-growing, sustainable, and environmentally-secure woods. It also only uses non-polluting, water-based finishes in its construction process.
The Costantini’s beautifully renovated space also houses the Wayne & Kristine Lueders Florentine Opera Center at 926 E. Burleigh St. Their customized 3,000-square-foot building is the home base for the Florentine Opera Studio Artists and their ever-expanding youth education and community programming.
Mario & Cathy have remained true to the idea that Riverwest itself is in the process of being restored and it is clear that both individuals and their business have formed a distinct footprint in the community. Mario and Cathy Costantini have made several other notable contributions to the community including, serving on the board of the First Stage Children’s Theater (Cathy), the board for Danceworks (Mario), and together donating generously to the Florentine Opera Company.
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Past HMI Preservation Award recipients include:
Conrad Schmitt Studios (1985), Walker’s Point Development Corporation (1990), Charles Trainer (1994), Bradley Foundation (1997), Historic Third Ward Association (1998), Julilly Kohler (1999), Bay View Historical Society (2007), and more.
