MILWAUKEE – County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee County Parks, and the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are proud to announce that three County-led projects have been recognized among the winners of the 2026 Mayor’s Design Awards. The awards, presented by Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a ceremony held May 21, 2026, at the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning, honor the best in design across Milwaukee. Now in its 29th year, the program is administered by the City of Milwaukee’s Department of City Development.
This year, 24 projects were recognized across four categories. Milwaukee County’s three winning projects span Washington Park on the west side, the Lake Michigan shoreline in Bay View, and the King Park neighborhood, reflecting the County’s commitment to equitably serving communities across Milwaukee.
“These awards reflect Milwaukee County’s continued commitment to investing in projects that strengthen our communities, improve quality of life, and create welcoming public spaces for all residents,” said County Executive Crowley. “From restoring historic infrastructure in Washington Park to improving water quality and accessibility at South Shore Beach, and creating a modern, community-centered space at the Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Center, these projects demonstrate how thoughtful design and strategic investments can positively impact neighborhoods across Milwaukee County and advance our vision of becoming the healthiest county in Wisconsin.”
Milwaukee County Parks: Two Projects Recognized in “Places & Spaces”
Washington Park Bridge Replacement, 4301 W. Lloyd St.
The historic lagoon bridges in Washington Park, a beloved Olmsted-designed park on Milwaukee’s west side, were replaced with new concrete structures following years of deterioration first identified in a 2016 inspection. The $1.37 million project, funded through the Milwaukee County capital budget, involved a robust community engagement process beginning in 2021, including multiple public information meetings. Construction began in May 2024 incorporating both historical and current construction practices, and the restored bridges reopened to the public in fall 2025. The project also included new path lighting, stone retaining structures, and asphalt path restoration.
South Shore Beach Relocation, South Shore Park, Bay View
After more than two decades of persistent water quality problems, including 27 beach closures in 2022 alone, Milwaukee County Parks along with partners working on Milwaukee’s Area of Concern undertook a comprehensive relocation of South Shore Beach, one of nine public beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Milwaukee County. Following more than 12 years of scientific study in partnership with the EPA, Wisconsin DNR, UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, and others, the project team determined the best solution was to relocate the swimming beach to a stretch of rocky shoreline to the south, which had consistently shown significantly better water quality. The $8 million project, funded through a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) grant, converted the original beach to green space and opened the new sandy swimming area in August 2025. A community ribbon cutting was held September 25, 2025. The project also included ADA-accessible paths, stormwater best management practices, a foot wash station, and features designed to deter wildlife. Vegetative maintenance will continue through 2028. The project is a key step toward de-listing the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern.
“We’re honored to see these Milwaukee County Parks projects recognized through the Mayor’s Design Awards,” said Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith. “Both the Washington Park Bridge Replacement and South Shore Beach Relocation projects reflect years of planning, collaboration, and community engagement focused on improving safety, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and the visitor experience. These investments help ensure our parks continue serving residents and visitors while preserving and enhancing Milwaukee County’s natural and historic spaces.”
Milwaukee County DHHS: Recognized in “Urbanism Redefined”
Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Center, 1230 W. Cherry St.
The Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center stands out as one of the most impactful public projects in Milwaukee in more than twenty years—distinguished by its scale, purpose, innovation, and transformative community impact.
This four‑story, 60,000‑square‑foot facility was designed to serve as a community hub while demonstrating Milwaukee County’s commitment to sustainability and equitable service delivery. Sustainability was central to the project’s mission. Through the efforts of the Milwaukee County Office of Sustainability, the building is designed to support the County’s goal of reaching net‑zero carbon emissions by 2050, incorporating energy‑efficient features such as R‑20 foundation insulation and systems optimized for long‑term performance.
At its core, the building is designed to strengthen community access to essential services. Supporting Milwaukee County’s “No Wrong Door” model, it is home to the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes Aging and Disabilities Services, Behavioral Health Services, Children, Youth and Family Services, Child Support Services, Housing Services, and Veterans’ Services, and is home to NourishMKE, Milwaukee’s largest network of food pantries, ensuring residents can access compassionate, comprehensive care in one welcoming, equitable location.
“DHHS is honored to be recognized with a Mayor’s Design Award for the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center. The building is a community-centered space where residents can access the care, resources, and the support they need to thrive. This is more than a building, it’s a lifeline,” said Shakita LaGrant-McClain, DHHS Executive Director. “We are committed to person-centered care and connecting residents to DHHS services and those of our partners, across the continuum of care—Together, creating healthy communities.”
More information about the Mayor’s Design Awards is available HERE.
