Sculpture Milwaukee: How does New Land view its role in highlighting and enriching Milwaukee's cultural landscape?

New Land Enterprises: Milwaukee is at its best when it feels alive, when you turn a corner and find a new mural, a sculpture installation, or a building that makes you stop and look up. That’s the kind of city New Land Enterprises loves being part of. Creativity gives Milwaukee its edge and makes people want to live, work, and stay here.

For us, this isn’t just about attracting people to Milwaukee or filling apartments. Our team lives here too. We’re grabbing dinner at local restaurants, catching shows, and spending time in the same neighborhoods we help shape. We want Milwaukee to thrive because we’re out there enjoying it with our friends and families. A city that embraces diversity, walkability, and creativity isn’t just great for business—it’s a great place to call home.

SM:  What role does New Land see public art playing in shaping our city's cultural identity?

NLE: Public art plays a huge role in shaping how people experience life in a city. It adds energy, creativity, and a sense of connection that helps define who we are. When art becomes part of daily life — on your walk to work, in your building’s lobby, or around the corner from your favorite café — it makes Milwaukee feel more alive and more personal.

That’s why we partner with Sculpture Milwaukee and why we’ve built art into so many of our own spaces. Sculpture has a unique ability to anchor a place and draw people in — it creates natural gathering points and invites people to pause, interact, and connect. From large-scale installations on Milwaukee’s streets to pieces created through our own Artist-in-Residence program, we love seeing creativity come to life in unexpected ways. These projects bring people together and turn our buildings – and our city streets – into living galleries that reflect the spirit of the community.

SM: What are some recent accomplishments that New Land is proud of?

NLE: There’s a lot we’re excited about right now. We recently commissioned a brand-new mural on North Plankinton by up-and-coming Milwaukee artists Michael and Carlos Garcia Krapfl. It’s a vibrant piece that adds new energy to the area and continues our commitment to supporting local talent.

Don’t tell anyone, but our Black Cat Alley speakeasy, Shanghai, was just voted the #1 speakeasy in the country by USA Today, which still feels a little surreal. We’re also expanding Shanghai to include a private room — giving guests an even more unique experience tucked away in one of Milwaukee’s most creative spots.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to be growing beyond Milwaukee for the first time. In 2026, we’ll introduce The Ardin in Glendale and expand our NOVA brand to Green Bay. Both projects carry forward what we love most — building thoughtful, design-driven spaces that bring people together.