Philanthropist's $50 Million Neighborhood Initiative Taking Shape

Joseph Zilber announced in May of 2008 that he would give $50 million in effort to improve ten impoverished neighborhoods in Milwaukee, a plan that is quickly taking shape with his recent announcement of the first two neighborhoods that will receive his help: Lindsay Heights on the north side, and Clarke Square on the South. The money will be distributed through a network of community and social service organizations already operating in chosen neighborhoods.

Zilber, who is 90 years old, grew up on 10th and Meinecke in Lindsay Heights, and has since made his fortune in real estate development. He recently gave $10 million toward the creation of a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Public Health -- with the stipulation that it be located downtown, and $30 million to the Marquette University Law School, his alma mater. Zilber is also undertaking redevelopment of the Pabst Brewery Complex located in the northwest corner of downtown Milwaukee.

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