Milwaukee northside bookstore, community space planned

MILWAUKEE - From eyesore to community asset, major renovations are underway at a vacant building on Milwaukee's north side.

One man said a little creativity will help change the narrative. 

Big picture view:

For Darick Spears, the creative vision is crystal clear. He is the owner of Darick Books bookstore, located near 76th and Locust. It's a colorful space filled with books, art and inspiration to embrace creative power.

What they're saying:

"My passion is always been the community," Spears said. "We’ve been here since 2020. It’s the first book store of its kind."

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What we know:

But Spears is planning to expand his current 2,000-square-foot store to a 21,000-square-foot location that is just down the street near 76th and Capitol.

The Milwaukee Common Council approved the sale of the city-owned building that will serve as a multipurpose facility, to be known as Darick Books Café Complex. It will include a laundromat, gym and more.

What they're saying:

"The building has been vacant for 10-plus years. It’s a big building. I always say it needs some TLC: tender, love and creativity," Spears said. "To me it's like a blank canvas. The foundation is great, everything is great. I see the opportunity and go for it."

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Milwaukee Alderman Lamont Westmoreland said for more than a decade, the site has been an eyesore. He said he is thrilled about this new amenity coming to his district.

"This is not just a project, my project, this is also the city’s project," Spears said. "So all different types of people, I want to bring everybody together and turn the tie in the community."

What's next:

Work is likely going to take at least a year. The new space is anticipated to open late in 2026.