Here's Milwaukee's City Hall.
It's one of those nice-looking, historical buildings you see from I94 and makes you think, "gee, Milwaukee looks cool."
It's one of those old buildings that's sometimes (still is) falling apart and we pay large amounts of money to renovate because we love it.
It's one of those buildings you'd only go in because you're either A. dealing with City Government (I've never had to), B. interested in Milwaukee history (Who isn't? Though, that being said, I'd still never been), C. really dead-set on being in the former tallest inhabitable building in the United States, circa 1895, or D. bored, gone in by mistake, or in my case: curious and oddly interested in big, looming government buildings.
I DO like history and I do think Government buildings are interesting-- if not for the architecture then for the culture inside.The architecture is grand. Authoritative. Intimidating.
The People are hurried, mad, unfriendly and always wondering what you're doing there.
I decided I'd only return if I had to.
---
The Public Market.
While creating last week's video of my drive, I happened to be watching the little 2.4 inch screen while driving under 794. It looked really neat, and I specifically noted to myself that I should return and further investigate this space.
It's a great place to park. And the Market is a great place to eat, shop, learn, share art or ideas. It's a marketplace.
I'm inclined to have a romantic view of this place. And I'm having a hard time articulating exactly why it is I feel this way. I know why I do. I simply can't seem to write it out-- at least in a comprehensive way. I'll try.
The public market, realistically or otherwise, represents something. And this is based solely on my observations and feelings.
Using the word public, I'm inclined to think of a shared space. Something we all have access to. And market, to think of the exchange of goods, services or ideas. I imagine people philosophizing and debating! I image Plato himself learning to cook in the Public Market whilst expressing the freedom of speech in the marketplace of ideas.
I picture people gathered in an angry mob! I picture people gathered in a peaceful mob! I see people in the streets taking advantage of the public space. I romantically envision the City of Milwaukee digging out the streets and turning them into the steps of Capitol Hill or the Ancient Roman Forum.
That's ridiculous. Why did I think of that? Because it's the Public Market and all we're doing here is eating sandwiches and maybe learning how to cook. But probably just eating. I want more public, here.
Well, that doesn't quite do it. I still feel something about this place that hasn't been expressed.
Jeff Brennan
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