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Our structure is a co-op of co-ops. That is, the organization is a cooperative and members of the organization are cooperatives and other organizations. The five founding members are the Riverwest Co-op, Riverwest Public House Cooperative, People’s Books Cooperative, Build Milwaukee Cooperative, and the Riverwest Investment Cooperative. To apply for membership or get involved, drop us a line at our Contact page.

About our Members

Riverwest

Public House

Cooperative

815 E Locust St.​

 

Riverwest

Co-op and

Cafe 

733 E Clarke St

The Riverwest Public House is Wisconsin's only Co-op bar. The mission of thePublic House Cooperative is three-fold: to provide a welcoming social meeting place, to provide patrons with a variety of affordable local, organic and/or delicious beers, ciders and spirits, and to raise funds to propagate other cooperatives through the Riverwest Cooperative Alliance.

In addition to making available community meeting space, we’re excited by the prospect of hosting speakers, live music and regular community events such as card nights and potlucks.

People's

Books

Cooperative

804 E Center

On September 1, 2007, People’s Books Cooperative was officially incorporated and began operating on an all volunteer basis. Since then, PBC has continued to develop thanks to hundreds of members and volunteers who have contributed their knowledge, labor, and passion over the years. In addition to expanding textbook sales and exploring other ways to increase revenue, PBC staff and volunteers have tirelessly worked to broaden the focus beyond the bookstore. Remaining true to the principles of cooperation, they have worked to ensure that
People’s will continue to serve the community for years to come.

Build

Milwaukee

Cooperative

Build Milwaukee Cooperative seeks to provide the Milwaukee community with quality restoration, fabrication, and design work that is carried out with the long-term health and vibrance of the community in mind. They create and maintain high-quality jobs for their worker-members through a non-hierarchical and fully democratic structure, and work with local vendors and trades people to ensure the highest degree of integrity in all facets their work.

They offer a full range of creative re-modeling services including: Additions, kitchens, baths, windows, doors, porches, decks, trim, built-ins, and custom furniture.

In the fall of 1999, members of the Riverwest Workers Buying Club and other community members decided to dedicate their time and resources toward building a viable neighborhood food co-op. Thanks to the generosity of two loyal members, the 1904 former Schlitz Tied House at the corner of Clarke and Fratney was purchased and rented to the Co-op. After two years of planning and fundraising, and thousands of hours of hard work, the Co-op opened its doors to the public in November 2001.

Initially the store had only a couple of shelves and a few dozen items. Our first few years were dedicated to expanding the inventory. After three years, we were successful enough to hire one full-time and one part-time employee to compliment the volunteer staff.



The Riverwest Co-op Café opened in October 2004. The Café has earned a great reputation throughout the city for offering delicious vegetarian and vegan fare and has received positive reviews in the local media. The café prides itself on using the same local, organic ingredients in our food that we sell in our store.

The Co-op now boasts over 3000 members and over a hundred active volunteers who put in thousands of volunteer hours. Our mission continues to be to provide “Food for People, Not for Profit.” 

The Riverwest Co-op has been described as an oasis, neighborhood hub, and community center. As a member, you are a part of making that happen. Thank you.

Riverwest

Investment

Cooperative

Riverwest Investment Cooperative was founded in June of 2003 by several residents of the Riverwest Neighborhood (map) with the hopes of creating an investment vehicle for neighborhood residents to participate in the development of our community. The first cooperative of its kind in the nation, RIC has successfully tackled projects and continues to survive through a tough local and national economy.



RIC is currently partnering with Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) on The Barn Raising Program. When you secure financing from RIC’s Barn Raising Loan program, you will receive all the support that comes from RIC and the outstanding one-on-one assistance that WWBIC is known for. This is an unbeatable combination of guidance and resources for any entrepreneur. For more information, click here.

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