Contents
04 Welcome
06 Events
08 History
09 Things to See and Do
10 Economic Development
12 Real Estate
14 Education
18 Public Library
19 Health Care
20 Dining
21 Lodging
22 Membership Directory
Contents
04 Welcome
06 Events
08 History
09 Things to See and Do
10 Economic Development
12 Real Estate
14 Education
18 Public Library
19 Health Care
20 Dining
21 Lodging
22 Membership Directory
Welcome
A Catalyst for business growth, Convener for leaders and the
Champion for a stronger
Community
Welcome to the 2025 issue of our magazine! I’m Mikki Suchomel, Executive Director of the
Wauwatosa West Allis Chamber of Commerce, and I’m so excited to share this with
you.
This magazine is more than just pages filled with stories and updates—it’s a celebration of
our amazing community. Whether you’re a business owner, a resident, or just someone curious about
what makes Wauwatosa and West Allis so special, there’s something here for you.
Inside, you’ll find information about local businesses, updates on what’s happening in our
neighborhoods, and tips on how you can get involved. Our community is buzzing with creativity, hard
work, and a lot of heart, and I hope this magazine gives you a glimpse of just how awesome it is to be
part of it.
At the Chamber, we’re all about helping businesses grow, fostering connections, and making sure
everyone feels like they belong. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just getting to know us,
your involvement makes a big difference.
So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and enjoy this issue. I hope it inspires you to connect with your
neighbors, explore local businesses, and maybe even dream up your next big idea. Thanks for being part
of this incredible community—we wouldn’t be the same without you!
Cheers,
Mikki Suchomel
Executive Director
Wauwatosa West Allis Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Leadership
Dean Teofilo
President
Teofilo and Company, LLC
Jen Puente
Past President
Illuminate Auctions & Events
Vera Westphal
Secretary
Milwaukee Zoo
James Blomquist
Treasurer
US Bank
Rebecca Dennis
Hoppe Tree Servies
Kent Welch
Digital Horizons Technology Solutions
Adam Honey
Aetna Moving & Storage
Kathryn Lavey
VISIT Milwaukee
Adam Hug
Saz's Hospitality group
Bill Sargent
Milwaukee Heashots
Cory Tutaj
BrightHaus
Marcus Green
Lowlands Group
Mark Johnson
Technology Innovation Center
Pam Zorko
Waterstone Bank
JOIN US
ALL YEAR LONG
West Allis Farmers Market
Sat. May 3 thru Sat. Nov. 29, closed Thanksgiving
Tuesdays & Thursdays 12-5pm, Saturdays 1-5pm
A La Carte
Sunday, June 1
Food Truck Fridays & Mini Market
Friday, June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, August 15 & 29,
September 12 & 26
Tour of America’s Dairyland Bike Race -
West Allis Cheese Wheel Classic
Friday, June 20
Summer Concert Series
Thursday June 19, July 17, August 21 & September 28
Makers Market
Sunday, June 29
Independence Day Parade
Wednesday, June 2
4th of July Fireworks
Friday, July 4
Art on the Plaza
Friday, September 5
Downtown West Allis Classic Car Show
Sunday, October 5
Haunted Honey Creek
Friday, October 24
West Allis Christkindlmarkt
Friday, December 6 & Saturday, December 7
Allis in Winterland
Saturday, December 7
Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7
Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7
Wauwatosa History
Wauwatosa was originally woods, rivers and fields populated by native Americans
(primarily Menomonee and Potawatomi) and homesteading pioneers. By 1836, the United States government
purchased the land from the native Americans and enacted treaties, relocating the tribes to the
west.
Hart’s Mills
Charles Hart and his family built a home here in 1835, then saw and grist mills and a millpond on the
west side of the Menomonee River. The area became known as Hart’s Mills. Town of Wauwatosa
(covering six square miles) government started in1842, and Hart was elected chairman of the board.
The Little Red Store, constructed in 1854, is the oldest surviving commercial structure, and is home to
the Wauwatosa Historical Society’s welcome center.
Transportation and Settlement
By 1838, a road ran from Milwaukee to Wauwatosa. A railroad and a toll road passed through the village
by 1851. In 1892, two streetcar lines began operating on their own routes. Wauwatosa incorporated as a
village in 1892.
City Government
In 1895, a major fire destroyed a large part of the village; all the buildings had been made of wood.
As a result of this disaster, residents realized a more formal government was needed. In 1897, Wauwatosa
officially became a city of the fourth class.
Schools & Churches
In 1841 the first public school building, Gilbert School, was built. Other schools were built, and the
first public high school formed in 1871. The first graduating class had three members. In 1852,
congregations started building churches. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Annunciation Greek Orthodox
Church in 1956. By the 1900s, Wauwatosa had more than 40 churches.
Annexation and Growth
Annexations of 1952 tripled the size of Wauwatosa. Mayfair Mall opened in 1958. In 1963, the first
expressway segment opened in Wauwatosa. The city adopted the mayor-common council-city administrator
form of government and operations in 1972.
Wauwatosa Today
Today, Wauwatosa has over 50,000 residents in just over 13 square miles. Known as a “City of Homes” of many styles and ages, Wauwatosa also boasts production and manufacturing operations, health care facilities, retail establishments and residential complexes, as well as green space and waterways.
West Allis History
In 1837, settlers established a hamlet at present-day South 81st Street and West
National Avenue. The area was known as Honey Creek and included a few small houses, a blacksmith shop,
sawmill, post office, two churches and a schoolhouse. The stagecoach passed through this settlement
weekly, to and from Wisconsin’s eventual state capitol, Madison. In addition to carrying
passengers, the stage also hauled the mail.
In 1880, the Chicago Northwestern Railway built its line through the hamlet to Madison. The railway
company called its station North Greenfield. In 1887, the area was platted and the village officially
became North Greenfield.
Establishing Wisconsin State Fair
In 1891, the Wisconsin State Agriculture Society established the Wisconsin State Fair at its present
location. Residential, industrial and commercial progress was stimulated by this decision.
Industry Arrives
In 1900, Charles Allis of the Edward P. Allis Company (later renamed Allis-Chalmers) bought land for
the company’s new plant, opening the factory in 1902. Other industries also established factories
here, and hundreds of homes sprung up to house factory owners and employees. Civic leaders decided to
incorporate North Greenfield in 1902, adopting the name “West Allis” for the new
village.
West Allis Becomes a City
In 1906, the Village of West Allis became a city of the fourth class with a population of 2,306. World
War I in 1917 caused an industrial boom, and in the 1920s, West Allis thrived. Post-depression in the
1930s, the city grew after World War II and remained a vibrant manufacturing community until the early
1970s.
Change of Industries
By 1990, West Allis had weathered several long recessions, but many longtime companies were hard hit.
Allis-Chalmers closed in 1999. The economy diversified with service industries, retail and office parks
and green spaces and apartments in place of manufacturing sites. Former factories are being replaced by
multi-use developments.
West Allis Today
West Allis is the 11th-largest city in the state with a population around 60,000. The community boasts nearly 20 parks, the West Allis Farmers Market, a unique and diverse dining scene and numerous community events throughout the year.
West Allis-West Recreation and Community Services
In addition to enjoying West Allis’s nature areas, residents can participate in
a variety of programs organized by the West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation and Community Services (WAWM
Recreation and Community Services). Since 1934, their mission is to unite family and community through
recreation. They offer health, wellness, safety education, aquatics, sports, fine arts and other
education programs for all age groups.
Throughout the year, the WAWM organizes events such as Summer Family Meals, Outdoor Movies Nights,
Trunk or Treat and their award-winning Mystery Trips. For information about their programs and upcoming
events, vist www.wawmrec.com.
Wauwatosa Recreation Department
As a proud member of the Wisconsin Parks and Recreation Administration and National Recreation and
Parks Association, Wauwatosa Recreation Department serves the community and beyond. The
department’s diverse programming offers several artistic, educational, fitness and sports-related
programs for toddlers, youth, teens, adults and seniors.
Some of the programs held during the summer include Active Older Adults, Aquatics, Adult Enrichment,
Adult Fitness, Gymnastics & Tumbling, Preschool Enrichment, Safety Town, Youth Enrichment, Youth Art
Classes, Babysitting Instruction, Youth Cooking, Dance & Baton, Day Camps & Trips, Youth Drama &
Theatre, Summer Friday Field Trips, Summer Adventure Club, Youth and Family Tree Climbing, Youth & Adult
Sports, Adult Pickleball and Esports.
The department encourages residents and nonresidents to visit their website at tosarec.com and view their seasonal programs.
Points of Interest
Milwaukee County Zoo
(414) 771-3040
State Fair
(414) 266-7000
Mayfair Mall
(414) 771-1300
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Approximately 48,387 residents are proud to call Wauwatosa their home. Only four miles
from downtown Milwaukee, Wauwatosa boasts shopping centers, medical and research facilities and
industrial corporations, as well as a variety of housing in its seven business districts.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city’s retail and residential market has remained
stable. Within the next few years, Wauwatosa is expected to expand its residential development options
to accommodate people moving within and into the city. With little vacant land, the city’s efforts
focus on redeveloping existing property.
In 2016, the city conducted a Housing Study & Needs Analysis to identify housing issues and find solutions. The city’s mission is to create an inclusive and equitable community by updating its current housing policies and setting new goals to meet the needs of its community. The goal is to continue to find opportunities to utilize existing land to expand housing and retail developments while also forming partnerships with businesses.
With a focus on supporting small business growth, West Allis’s local economy has become rich in
recent years with unique destination businesses. Now home to numerous craft breweries, from-scratch
bakeries and sweet shops, and a globally-inspired culinary scene, West Allis has shaken off its
industrial past to emerge as a vibrant and diverse community.
With a population of approximately 59,907 residents and a youthful median resident age of just 38.7,
West Allis’ investment in redevelopment can be seen on every tree-lined street and thriving
business corridor. While visitors dine downtown or browse the Blocks of Becher, residents are finding
affordable single-family homes and a growing variety of modern multi-family housing opportunities.
Guided by a vision to become the preferred destination for visitors, residents, and businesses, West Allis continues to provide highly proactive and supportive launch and growth opportunities for small businesses, manufacturers, and those seeking redevelopment opportunities. Visit www.westalliswi.gov/development to learn more.
Real Estate
West Allis and Wauwatosa are well connected to the metro-Milwaukee area, offering a
regional location with prime commercial spaces for rent or lease at various sizes. Small business
owners are the fabric of these two cities, providing for a growing market that appeals to new residents,
young professionals, and those seeking walkable neighborhoods with access to specialty local
products and services. The opportunity for growth is plentiful for entrepreneurs looking to expand or to
start business. By exploring the resources available on both cities’ websites,
entrepreneurs can find technical resources and economic incentive programs designed to support
success!
Both cities offer safe, walkable, family neighborhoods that are often connected to amenities such
as parks, dog parks, business districts, and local schools. Housing options in these
neighborhoods include single-family homes and duplexes, accommodating all family types. The demand for
housing in these areas remains high as the region faces a continued housing supply challenge. In fact,
both communities have seen double-digit percentage increases in housing values. According to Realtor.com, West Allis was recently identified as the
best market for first-time homebuyers in the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metropolitan area in
2024.
Both cities have also seen an influx of new residents, thanks in part to the development of new
apartment buildings featuring amenities such as underground parking, outdoor grilling stations, and
swimming pools. West Allis has set a community goal to grow its population by 10,000 people by 2045. As
part of this effort, over 500 new housing units, including apartments and townhomes, are slated for
construction by 2025.
In October 2024, the median sale price for homes in West Allis was $255,000, reflecting an 8.5%
increase from the previous year. The median listing price was $249,000, up 13.2% from the prior year.
Other key housing market statistics for West Allis include:
• A median price per square foot of $187.
• Homes selling for an average of 1.94% above the asking price.
• The median days on market for homes was 33, a decrease from 36 days in the previous
year.
One of the ways of navigating this challenge is by having a fantastic team of real estate agents and a lender to ease the process of helping find the desired affordable property and helping with the purchasing process. Another piece of advice is to look at the other homes in the neighborhood that are similar in property size and see what price they were listed and compare it to the price the homes were sold at.
Wauwatosa School District
Embracing Endless Possibilities
Committed to academic excellence and innovation, the Wauwatosa School District prides
itself on creating welcoming, inclusive environments in which every student can explore their passions
and achieve their potential.
The District serves approximately 6,700 students in grades 4K through 12 in its eleven elementary
schools, two middle schools, two high schools and virtual academy, and offers a diverse range of
educational opportunities designed to meet the needs of all learners.
Guided by its mission to provide equitable access to excellent academic, co-curricular, and
social-emotional learning opportunities, WSD has earned a reputation for excellence, and takes pride in
fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. The schools integrate advanced learning
technologies and rigorous curriculum, ensuring students are prepared for college, careers, and life.
At the heart of WSD is a belief in the power of relationships. The District’s educators,
administrators, and families work together to create a connected and inclusive learning community where
diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are celebrated. Through social-emotional learning
programs, mental health resources, and a welcoming school climate, students’ holistic development
is nurtured, empowering them to excel both academically and personally.
Beyond academics, WSD offers a wealth of co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities to enrich student experiences. From athletics and arts programs to leadership and academic clubs, students have countless ways to discover and pursue their passions. These activities not only enhance their educational journeys, but also build essential skills like teamwork, creativity, and perseverance, preparing them to become the community’s future leaders and innovators.
West Alias Education
In 2024, the West Allis community made an investment in the future of the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District by approving a $70 million capital referendum to address needs at facilities such as safety, security and accessibility updates that will ensure the success of students in the district for years to come
Area Schools
Bryant & Stratton College
(414) 302-7000
MATC – West Allis Campus
(414) 456-5500
Medical College of Wisconsin
(414) 456-8217
Mount Mary University
(414) 930-3000
SCORE – SE Wisconsin
(414) 297-9342
St. John’s Lutheran Church
(414) 258-4214
UWM Real Estate Foundation, Inc.
(414) 906-4645
www.uwmrealestatefoundation.org
Wauwatosa School District
(414) 773-1020
West Allis-West Milwaukee School District
(414) 604-3000
Wisconsin Emergency Training
(833) 912-6224
http://Wisconsinemergencytraining.com
Wisconsin Lutheran College
(414) 443-8800
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative
(414) 395-4546
Libraries
West Allis Public Library
The West Allis Public Library is a vital community resource that offers a breadth of
traditional library resources, as well as unique educational and recreational programming. WAPL is a
member of the Milwaukee County Federated Library System, which allows West Allis residents access to
materials not only from this library, but from libraries throughout Milwaukee County.
WAPL is one of the highest circulating libraries with one of the largest collections in the county.
Traditional resources available at the library include books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, newspapers and
audiobooks. The library also offers access to digital materials including e-books, audiobooks, digital
magazines and databases such as CreativeBug and Reference Solutions, available online and through mobile
devices.
In addition, the library provides computer and internet access, printing, scanning, copying and faxing
and private study room access. The children’s and adult departments offer a robust selection of
free, all-ages programming and outreach to the community, including crafts for adults and children,
children’s storytimes, book clubs and educational programs through community organizations such as
the Audubon Center, summer and winter reading programs to promote early and lifelong literacy,
reader’s advisory services for book recommendations and a monthly podcast available on major
platforms.
Unique teen programming includes an ongoing Dungeons & Dragons campaign and an Anime Club. For more
information on these and other library programs and services, visit westallislibrary.org.
West Allis Public Library
7421 W. National Ave., West Allis
(414) 302‑8500
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday
Wauwatosa Public Library
The Wauwatosa Public Library strengthens the community and enriches lives by providing equitable access
to information, encouraging reading and lifelong discovery, and providing welcoming spaces to connect
and create. Library users will find traditional resources like books, DVDs, and CDs as well as have
access to digital materials including e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines.
Patrons can check out Stem Kits, Books First Bags, Book Discussion Kits, Art and Sculptures and passes
to local attractions. WPL offers unique resources to Wauwatosa residents like online movies through
Kanopy, investment research through Value Line, online tutoring through BrainFuse and online employment
assistance through JobNow.
The library has a myriad of programs for kids, teens and adults. Its reading programs promote early and lifelong literacy. To find out more, visit wauwatosalibrary.org or call (414) 471-8484.
HEALTH CARE
Medical professionals in West Allis and Wauwatosa search for the right treatment for their
patients. Residents can find care for all their needs whether it is receiving an annual check-up to
fixing a cavity.
West Allis and Wauwatosa are surrounded by the Aurora Medical Center, Froedtert Hospital,
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and Milwaukee Regional Medical Center; they provide emergency
services and specialized care. There are physicians that specialize in otolaryngology at ADVENT,
optometry at Design Vision Optical, musculoskeletal medicine at Firefly DPC and invasive surgery at
Wauwatosa Surgery Center.
When it comes to curing existing dental problems, residents can visit the Wauwatosa Dental Associates
and Mark R. Crego, DDS. Families seeking ways to safely cope with grief can find counselors at
Kyle’s Korner, Inc. Those looking for support and resources about Lupus can find health education
specialists at Lupus Foundation of America, WI Chapter.
West Allis and Wauwatosa are not limited to medical centers; residents can master a new skill while
improving their overall health by taking classes at Premier Martial Arts and Tosa Yoga, LLC.
Vita Fitness & Physical Therapy is a local clinic in Milwaukee that strives to “bridge the gap
from injury” to good health. Since 2004, their physical therapists and physical therapist
assistants have treated patients suffering from any type of pain such as arthritis, osteoporosis,
sport-related injuries, work-related injuries, pre/postsurgical rehabilitation, posture and movement
disorders. Physical therapy programs are combined with a custom fitness program using the latest
techniques and advancements in physical therapy.
Their physical therapy and personal fitness programs are tailored to meet the needs of their patients using standardized evaluations and screenings to assess the safest and most effective program for their patients. Services include personal training, medical fitness programs, assisted stretching, cupping, dry needling, massage therapy and app-based home exercise programs. Vita Fitness & Physical Therapy welcomes anybody, whether they are a current patient or not, to purchase a gym membership to use their high-quality fitness equipment in their gym and track exercises in their fitness app.
Dining
Alioto’s Restaurant
3041 N Mayfair Rd, Wauwatosa
Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Buckatabon Tavern and Supper Club
7700 Harwood Ave
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Cafe Hollander
CAMINO West Allis
7211 W Greenfield Ave
West Allis, WI 53214
Caribou Coffee
10200 W National Ave
West Allis, WI 53227
Corner Bakery Cafe
11500 W Burleigh St Ste 102
Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Eddie Martini’s
8612 W Watertown Plank Rd
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Growlers East Tosa
6717 W. North Ave.
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Leff’s Lucky Town
7208 W State St
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Maggio’s Wood Fired Pizza
7212 W North Ave
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Mo’s Irish Pub-Wauwatosa
10842 W Bluemound Rd
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Nothing Bundt Cakes
12110 W. Burleigh Rd
Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Ristorante Bartolotta
7616 W State St
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Saz’s Hospitality Group
5539 W State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Ultimate Confections, Inc.
800 N 68th Street
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Wisconsin State Fair
640 S 84th St
West Allis, WI 53214
Lodging
9810 Echelon Ln
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
6600 River Pkwy
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
353 N 121st St
Milwaukee, WI 53226
1212 S 70th Street
West Allis, WI 53214
11011 W North Ave
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
1300 Discovery Pkwy
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
6100 W State St
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
