Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation

The Welford Sanders Historic Lofts & Enterprise Center is a $21 million dollar project to renovate the severely dilapidated, historic building (the former Nunn Bush Shoe Factory) on 4th and Hadley in the Harambee neighborhood, and will allow Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation (MLKEDC) to continue its mission of bringing hope and opportunity to this important Milwaukee neighborhood. 

The project is named in honor of Welford Sanders who died unexpectedly on May 23, 2015. Welford was a visionary, a role model and a neighborhood catalyst. For 15 years, serving as Executive Director of MLKEDC, he was a leader in the revitalization efforts in the Harambee neighborhood, and dramatically changed the face of that community by generating over $50 million dollars in new real estate development.  

The Welford Sanders project will create 59 affordable housing units and 35,000 sf of office space. The office space will be leased to a consortium of businesses that are collaborating to help area residents achieve self-sufficiency, through sustainable employment and other forms of social support. More information about the project can be found at:  www.welfordsandershistoriclofts.com. 

Welford Sanders’ vision for the redevelopment of the former Nunn Bush Shoe factory is now underway. In order to preserve his legacy, recognize his substantial achievements in the Milwaukee community, a life-size statue of Welford will be incorporated as a focal point for the Welford Sanders Historic Lofts & Enterprise Center. A $75,000 statue fundraising effort is underway, along with a search for a sculpture artist. All levels of donations will be appreciated and recognized. 

Contributions can also be sent directly to:
Martin Luther King Economic Development Corp. (MLKEDC)
2745 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 200
Milwaukee, WI  53212