29th Street Campus Renovations

29th Street Campus Renovations

As part of Next Door’s 50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign, we raised funds to support much-needed renovation projects at our 29th Street campus. Donors contributed $1.2 million toward this effort. We’re grateful for their generosity and the opportunity to enhance the learning environment and support system for our students and families. We hope you enjoy the videos and photos of the renovated spaces below.

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Overview Video: Next Door’s Vice President of Programs, Myranda Syrjanen, discusses the renovations and how they will help position Next Door as a leader in high quality early childhood education in Milwaukee.




Books for Kids Library: A renovation of our Books for Kids Library created a rainforest-themed space for our Read with Me program and book distribution. There is also more comfortable seating for volunteers, better acoustics and new shelving.




Under the Sea Play Area: A renovation to one of our indoor play areas created an interactive Under the Sea experience for our infants and toddlers. The space and equipment will help promote gross motor development through reaching, grasping, crawling, climbing, balancing and walking – plus new learning experiences about the sea.




Outer Space Play Area: A renovation to a second indoor play area created an interactive Outer Space experience for our older students. The area and equipment will encourage gross motor development through running, climbing and balancing – plus important social play and new learning experiences about space.




Parent Engagement Center: Our Parent Engagement Center creates a new place for parents to connect with Next Door staff in a casual, café-style environment. The space will offer both one-on-one meetings with members of our family services team as well as group meetings and trainings for parents.