“I think we will be able to complement each other.”
– Wendy Mesich, co-chair of the Riverwest Neighborhood Association

As the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee prepares for students to move into the new RiverView dorms next semester, some Riverwest residents said they are excited about the new addition to their community.

“I think the dorms themselves are going to be an asset to our community,” said Tim Vertz, a member of the Riverwest Neighborhood Association. “To try to discourage them from being in our community would be silly.”

As part of outreach to the community, area residents will have access to a community room, which Vertz said he is excited about.

Likewise, the public will have access to the building’s Grind coffee shop, which will be located in the front of the building.

“Someone in the apartment across the street can walk over and go through the door to the Grind, and they won’t have to go through the security system,” said Scott Peak, director of University Housing.

Wendy Mesich, co-chair of the Riverwest Neighborhood Association, said she remembers some of the initial controversy about UWM building on the river’s bluff, but feels most of the conflict has been resolved.

“Even the people that felt strongly about the building on the bluff, they’re not against students,” Mesich said. “I think we will be able to complement each other.”

Mesich said she feels students are able to keep the community young and bring in fresh, new ideas.

Mesich said she is especially excited about the new Flexcar program that will let residents as well as students rent a car by the hour.

As another way to get the Riverwest community involved with students, an art fair to be held on the terrace is currently being coordinated.

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