Martin Drive

Home to Miller Brewing Company and Harley-Davidson

In 1855, German emigrant Frederick Miller purchased the existing Plank Road Brewery and founded Miller Brewing Company, which still operates in the neighborhood. Miller's beers grew in number and reputation to become the staples they're known as today. Visitors can tour the original location, which highlights the caves where kegs were kept cold before modern refrigeration, using ice blocks from Lake Michigan.

In 1906, William S. Harley and his childhood friends, Arthur and William Davidson, carried a toolbox and several crates of mechanical parts into a shed on what is today Juneau Avenue — and rode out on some of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The brand gained fame over the past century. Although the motorcycle manufacturing plants are located elsewhere, the Juneau Avenue location remains the company's headquarters and a prominent feature of Martin Drive.

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Commuting and transportation options around Martin Drive

Despite the high importance and production of Martin Drive businesses, "There's not a lot of foot traffic or regular traffic. So, it's a surprisingly quiet area," Balderas says. He also describes Martin Drive as a central location, close to West Vliet Street, Washington Park, a Milwaukee police station and the eastern border of Wauwatosa. To get around, head south on Route 175 to reach Interstate 94, or take Wisconsin Avenue directly east to downtown Milwaukee, about 3 miles away. Buses stop on West State Street, Highland Boulevard, Vliet Street and North 35th Street, and bike lanes are along some main roads.

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A neighborhood association organizes community events

Locals take advantage of the quiet area, maintaining their lawns, meeting with neighbors and enjoying the quiet roads. "You'll see kids riding bikes and families walking their dogs in the neighborhood," Balderas says. "There aren't a lot of stores, bars, gas stations and things of the sort. So, it's uncommon for people to drive through the area unless they live there." If you're looking for social connection, the Martin Drive Neighborhood Association hosts community events and projects throughout the year:

• The Bloom and Groom Plant Sale offers residents flowering plants at low prices in an effort to connect neighbors and beautify the community.
• An annual picnic, called the Summer Sizzle, invites you to mingle with elected officials, Milwaukee police and learn about city resources.
• A neighborhood-wide summer rummage sale provides residents with an opportunity to refresh their homes and connect with one another.

Martin Drive is close to both new and historic parks

Davidson Park on the Harley-Davidson campus is known as The Hub. It's a sunken multiuse amphitheater with a view of the old factory and features over 120 native plant species, walking trails and playgrounds. Washington Park, located north of the neighborhood, is one of Milwaukee's oldest green spaces, designed by the park architect who also designed Central Park in New York City. Amenities include trails, a bandstand that hosts summer concerts, a public pool and splash pad, sports courts and a fishing pond.

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Restaurants and grocery stores in the area

Fred's Frozen Custard & Grill has been a Milwaukee staple since 1967, serving cheeseburgers, fries and soft-serve ice cream. More frozen treats are available closer to home at Pete's Pops, which makes popsicles in unique flavors like avocado, horchata, salted watermelon and pineapple jalapeno. Fast Stop Food Market is a local convenience store, and Metcalfe's and Metro Market are a few miles in Wauwatosa.

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Schooling options near Martin Drive

Milwaukee Public Schools offers school choice, and parents can send their children to any public, charter or magnet school in the district with open space. Nearby options include Story School, James E. Groppi High School and Hawley Environmental School.