Drexel Town Square
2020 Engineering Excellence Best of State
Entering Firm: GRAEF
Client: City of Oak Creek
Oak Creek is a fast-growing city located in the greater Milwaukee area. To add to the area’s quality of life and create a unique identity, the city decided to create a focal point to serve as the community’s core. This vision became Drexel Town Square.
Executing a Plan
GRAEF was the firm that turned the vision into reality. The location played a major part in the design. It was located near a busy intersection and was adjacent to many new businesses. The new square serves multiple functions – there is space for small businesses, residents, a city hall and public space for community events. This holistic approach to development creates a vibrant heart for the community.
Protecting the Environment
The design team paid particular attention to protecting the environment by using innovative methods to deal with runoff
pollution. The site features a large stormwater basin that captures all runoff. The team used this basin to create a recreation path and green environment to further benefit the city. Since the site was previously used and polluted by a factory, the environmental focus is especially important.
Awards judge Brandon Braithwaite said: “This project was transformative. Not only were they able to redevelop an existing brownfield site, they built a 21st century downtown! This project will
shape the City of Oak Creek for many generations.”
A New Community Focal Point
The town square exceeded client expectations by combining so many different elements in one space. It is a modern downtown where residents can live, work and play.
