Deep roots in the community have meant a rich history
The Hawks Landscape Co. is celebrating 150 years in business with an exhibit, honors, and a look back on a rich history. Locally owned and family run, the company has made its mark on the community not just through its philanthropic activities but by helping beautify residential and commercial properties throughout the Milwaukee area.
“We have a wonderful history, and we continue growing,” said owner Joseph Kresl. “We want to go into this next century as strong as we did the last.”
The Wauwatosa Historical Society is organizing an exhibit of historical artifacts that vividly document a company that dates back to the establishment of the country’s landscaping industry and that has adapted to economic ups and downs, changing markets, and new opportunities. The exhibit draws on the mementos, records and objects that remained in the company’s possession when Kresl purchased it in 1993. It opens to the public this fall in the Muellner Building at Hart Park, 7300 Chestnut St., Wauwatosa.
The company was founded in 1875, when the booming railroad system was linking farms to national markets. Then called The Hawks Nursery Company and located in Rochester, New York, it originally sold plant stock — mostly fruit trees, shade trees and shrubs — to farmers and residents across developing cities from New York to Iowa, which it shipped via rail. Shortly after its inception, a satellite office opened in Wauwatosa. Not only were the original owners drawn by the region’s fertile soil and favorable growing conditions, Wauwatosa also offered strategic advantages for nationwide plant shipping.
When Kresl purchased Hawks, it had evolved to meet changing markets and communities, focusing more on retail sales, landscape design and landscape construction. Kresl, who earned his degree in landscape architecture from UW-Madison, grew the business significantly by adding a spacious garden center on West Watertown Plank Road and expanding its landscape design services. The company has won numerous design awards and honors.
Kresl, along with his wife and business partner, Jennifer Kresl, has supported many community organizations. Whether by serving on boards, chairing fund-raising galas or providing landscaping services, they have been active partners of the Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee Art Museum, Sculpture Milwaukee, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rotary Club of Milwaukee and the Kneeland-Walker House, among others. The Kresls and Hawks have earned many honors, including the Milwaukee Zoological Society’s highest award, The Emu Egg, awarded to Joe and Jennifer in 2013 for consistent meritorious service and exceptional contributions to the zoo. Other awards include the Partners in Art Award for their 23 years as sponsors of the Lakefront Festival of Art Sculpture Garden at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Hawks was among the organizations and companies with milestone anniversaries acknowledged by the Milwaukee County Historical Society at its annual awards event in May. Kresl will also give a special presentation about the History of Hawks at the Wauwatosa Historical Society’s November 10th annual meeting, which is open to the public.
