Thiensville, Wisconsin: A Mile of Service and Smiles

Thiensville is a quaint, self-governing village that is inextricably connected to Mequon. It sits on just one square mile and is completely surrounded by the City of Mequon. Locals refer to Thiensville as “the mile of service and smiles” -- a perfect description for the friendly, family-oriented community.

A Bit of History

Thiensville was named after wealthy German immigrant Jochim Heinrich (John Henry) Thien, who moved to the area with his wife in 1842. They purchased 148 acres near the Milwaukee River, built a dam and grist mill and completely immersed themselves in the community.

Thiensville was officially incorporated as a village in 1910, with a population just under 300. Today, it’s home to more than 3,000 residents.

Thiensville Housing

Thiensville is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the greater Mequon area. With that distinction, comes smaller homes and lot sizes — at least when compared to Mequon’s later and newer development.

However, Thiensville has an old-world charm that is hard to beat: canopied tree-lined streets, stone facade bungalows with wide front porches, sprawling 1960s ranch houses and adjoining backyards with few fences. In some areas of Thiensville, the micro-neighborhood is in transition. Houses which been completely remodeled inside sit next to homes with original interiors. It’s not hard to find a fixer-upper with “good bones” in Thiensville.

The houses which line the Milwaukee River in Thiensville share a special cachet. Located primarily on Riverview Drive, these homes are generally pricier and because of their water access, have higher property taxes. The advantages? Stunning river views, the privilege of a boat dock and your very own ice skating rink in the winter when the river freezes over!

Perfect for Families

On any summer evening, take take a stroll through the streets of Thiensville. You’ll immediately notice the kids . . . grade schoolers on bikes pedaling off to play in Thiensville Village Park, teenagers in driveways shooting hoops or infants in strollers being pushed by their parents. It’s a scene from days of old, when kids had the freedom and security to roam. No wonder CNN's Money Magazine listed Thiensville 19th among its 100 Best Small Cities in the United States.

Thiensville’s Attractions & Events

Thiensville is proud of it’s Village Park which boasts a variety of playground equipment, tennis courts, baseball fields, wide-open spaces and easy access to the Milwaukee River. The park is home to annual events such as Lions Fest (in June), Family Fun Before the Fourth (in July) and holds a farmer’s market every Tuesday from June through October. There are other quintessential Thiensville events throughout the year, including: Ladies Night Out, Lobster Fest and Thiensville Volunteer Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast.

Historic Downtown

Most of Thiensville’s charming downtown business district is located along Main Street and Green Bay Road. Many of the storefronts still have their original-looking facades - clapboard with shingled gables, cream brick exteriors and parapets with stone copings.

At the corner of Green Bay Road and Main Street sits the old Thiensville Village Hall & Fire Department. Erected in 1914, this odd looking structure housed the horse and hand drawn equipment of Thiensville’s Fire Engine Company. The high tower at the front of the building is called a hose tower and was used to hang 100 foot sections of fire hose to dry.

Schools

Most of Thiensville is served by Oriole Lane Elementary School (although a portion of southwestern Thiensville attends Wilson Elementary School). Steffen Middle School and Homestead High School are the schools for grades six and above.

Map of Thiensville Boundaries

Map showing the boundary of Thiensville within Mequon, Wisconsin

Goodbye Bank. Hello Apartments?

August 1, 2013 By Jen Keller Leave a Comment

Oh boy!

Just on the heels of the hotly contested beer garden in Village Park comes another potential keg of dynamite.

On August 6th at 7 p.m. in Thiensville Village Hall, the Historical Preservation Committee, Plan Commission and Village Board will hear the first round of proposals for a 60-unit luxury apartment complex at the corner of Green Bay Road and Riverview Drive in Thiensville. Currently, it’s the home of the former M&I Bank.

The site is owned by MSP Real Estate, a Minnesota-based developer, who has significant experience developing properties in the greater Milwaukee area. Their portfolio lists senior living communities in Elm Grove, Port Washington, West Allis, Middleton, Monona and more — as well as the controversial lower-income apartment complex in New Berlin.

In 2009, MSP wanted to build an assisted living facility at the former M&I Bank location, but were deterred when neighbors objected.

Now, the real estate development firm would like to develop a luxury apartment complex. Their goal is to target young families who want to take advantage of the outstanding Mequon-Thiensville K-12 schools but who aren’t quite ready to buy a home. The other obvious target demographic is the empy-nesters looking to downsize.

The meeting scheduled for August 6th is just the first round of proposals. There’s no doubt there will be much back-and-forth before (and if) the project gains approval.

More to come on this issue . . . I’m sure!

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Bikers at Harley Block Fest in Thiensville

July 12, 2013 By Brian Mohsenian 1 Comment

The Harleys are on the road and the roar of motorcycle engines fill the sultry summer air.

It’s that time of year again!

Young and old, they’re all heading to one of the biggest events of the summer. Wisconsin’s Largest One Day Rally, right here in Thiensville!

This Saturday July 13, 2013, Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson is hosting the 2013 Block Fest right on Main Street in Thiensville.

Come for the Bikers, Blues, BBQ — and the deals! In the Big Tent, there will be savings of up to 70% off retail on licensed dealership merchandise. Available for this one day only.

Stop by the Drag Specialties truck for their new parts and accessories and take a look at the most recent bike builds and offers. You can’t miss their large showcase.

Along with great deals, there will also be a barbeque and live music.

Here’s the music line-up:

12 – 3 p.m. The Katz Sass

4 – 7 p.m. Alex Wilson Band

8 – 11:15 p.m. Greg Koch

And who can forget this from last year’s Block Fest?

Burnout at Suburban Harley’s Block Fest 2012

So on Saturday morning, when you hear those engines roar, follow the rumbles into Thiensville and enjoy the live music, tasty food and savings on limited-time deals at Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson’s 2013 Block Fest!

Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson
139 N Main St
Thiensville, WI 53092
(262) 242-2464

Video source: Steve Hempelman
Image source: Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson

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Beer Garden in Thiensville – Not This Year

June 28, 2013 By Jen Keller Leave a Comment

Covered eating area in Thiensville's Village Park If you’ve been dreaming about sipping a cold brew in Thiensville Village Park this summer, keep dreaming.

In early-May, the Thiensville Village Board approved the idea of having a beer garden operated by Sprecher Brewing Company. In short, Sprecher would manage the operation, supplying tables, chairs, umbrellas, bartenders and, of course, the beer and gourmet sodas. A percentage of the profits would return to the Village.

So, What Happened?

Sprecher’s detailed proposal never materialized, in part, because of push-back from local Thiensville businesses.

Members of the Ozaukee County Tavern League have expressed concerns over having a large company operating locally as a retailer. Bob Ollman, co-owner of Thiensville’s Remington’s River Inn, told MyCommunityNOW North Shore reporter Michael Meidenbauer, “If a (beer garden) is imminent, we want to see it locally operated. We think it’s critical that a local business that is vested in the community controls it, so we have control over what it turns into.”

Next Steps

It’s likely that the Village of Thiensville will solicit proposals for a beer garden in the fall for the 2014 summer season. Bob Ollman would like consideration. He and co-owner Amy Ollman have already submitted a proposal outlining how they would offer beers, sodas and wine — along with music. There will most likely be other proposals to consider as well.

Source: Michael Meidenbauer’s article on MequonNow.

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Thiensville’s Independence Day Party: Family Fun Before the 4th

June 26, 2013 By Elizabeth Braatz Leave a Comment

If you haven’t participated in Mequon-Thiensville’s Family Fun Before the 4th, you’ve missed one of the very best family fests our town has to offer.

Each year, the weekend prior to the 4th of July, Mequon and Thiensville residents gather for day-long festivities — a parade through the streets of Thiensville, live music in Village Park, picnic and beverages, and fireworks at dusk.

Why is this experience so great? Well, it brings together the entire community and it is extremely kid-friendly. The bonus is that it occurs prior to the 4th of July so you can still enjoy those other family activities you have scheduled for the actual holiday.

The Sequence of Events

Most residents reserve their spots on the parade route well before the parade kicks-off. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see blankets, folding chairs and coolers of beverages lining the sidewalks as early as 8 a.m.

Then at 10:30 a.m., spectators are entertained by more than a mile of fun and entertainment. Parades in the past have included the Homestead High School Marching Band, Dancing Grannies (yes, grandmas who boogie), Pommeranian Dancers, Thiensville-Mequon Baseball Association’s little league teams, the local Girl & Boy Scouts, dozens and dozens of community businesses and organizations and, of course, the perennial little kid favorite — the Mequon and Thiensville fire trucks. You’re guaranteed to see someone you know marching during the almost hour and a half long event.

Once the parade is over, residents make their way to Thiensville Village Park for a cup of free Cedar Crest ice cream, a Wisconsin staple and favorite. Families can purchase lunch from one of the many local restaurants’ food stands, play on the playground and socialize with neighbors.

There’s more music throughout the afternoon and the local dance studios entertain as well. Many families crowd the baseball fields to watch their kids play in the youth baseball tournament. Others park it in front of the Milwaukee River to watch the impressive Badgerland Water Ski Show. Badgerland features skiers young and old, from elementary school age to senior citizens; all of which are incredibly talented.

Evening Festivities

Starting at 7 p.m., residents are entertained by local bands (Christopher’s Project from Milwaukee is a favorite), a Venetian Boat Parade on the Milwaukee River around 8:30 p.m. and, of course, fireworks at dusk! The fireworks usually last at least 45 minutes and promise a great show for the young and old. They are presented by the Bartollota family (who recently opened Joey Gerard’s in Mequon) and have a reputation of putting on a finale that shakes the streets and amazes the eyes.

If you are one of the few who has not been to Family Fun Before the 4th, mark your calendar. It is not to be missed.

The Parade Route

Starts on Cedarburg Road at Weyenberg Library, heads north into Thiensville along Main Street, east on Friestadt, south on Green Bay Road and east on Elm Street to Thiensville Village Park.

Image source: bayasaa

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Summer’s Here: Thiensville’s Annual Lionfest

June 12, 2013 By Brian Mohsenian Leave a Comment

If you drove through Thiensville last Saturday, you could not have missed the flashing lights and hundreds of people flocking to Village Park. The 49th Annual Lionfest was on! While the festival was open all weekend, Saturday night was biggest night with the most popular attractions.

With the rich smells of popcorn and buttered sweet corn welcoming you into the park, it was hard to deny your taste buds from indulging in the annual delicacies — juicy rotisserie chicken dinner, crunchy corn dogs, hot pink and baby blue cotton candy.

Games and Entertainment for all Ages

And if the hot funnel cakes didn’t keep you at the festival, the glittering lights and loud rides were sure to get your attention. The mini amusement park, an integral part of the festival, offered entertainment for all different ages. There were calm rides for the tots, such as the carousel or the climbing castle. And, more adventurous rides for the teens, such as the gut wrenching Tornado and Round Up.

There were also plenty of games. You know the ones where the odds of winning are so unfairly stacked against you. . . the fish and ball toss, dart throw or balloon pop, toy-gun range, basketball shootout, and the ladder climb challenge that few seem to master. The prizes? Those big stuffed animals that we all covet — at least for the day of the fair. Cash prizes were also given out to lucky winners for Bingo, as well as a men’s softball tournament that took place.

Around 8 p.m., the music group The Toys began filling the air with current hit songs, as well as well-known classics, appealing to the young and old alike. Once the music began, Lionfest really came alive, drawing everyone under one large tent to enjoy the show. Cold beer, grilled burgers and neighborly conversation were the order of business for the rest of the night.

Through the years, Thiensville’s Lionfest had become more than just a festival. It’s become a tradition. There’s no better way to end the school year and welcome in the summer season. It’s definitely an event you never want to miss.

Health nutrition is an vital part of leading a good lifestyle. But can medicaments help us? At present more than half of men aged 40 to 70 reported some degree of erectile dysfunctions. Typically, both men and women are affected by sexual dysfunctions. At present divers articles were published about levitra vs cialis. How you can find detailed information about “viagra or cialis“? The most substantial question you must look for is “tadalafil vs sildenafil“. What can cause erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction ordinarily has more than one root. Prescription drugs can save lives, but they can also come with dangerous side effects. It’s significant to keep in mind that not all medicaments are wholesome. The health care purveyor will decide which dosage is fit for you. If the remedy is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

Beer Garden in Thiensville Village Park?

May 9, 2013 By Jen Keller 3 Comments

It looks like we might be on our way to getting a beer garden in Thiensville Village Park.

After a prolonged debate on Monday, the concept won approval from the Village Board which met as a Committee of the Whole. Trustees Rob Holyoke, David Lange, John Treffert and Village President Van Mobley supported the idea of establishing the beer garden. Trustees Ron Heinritz and Ken Kucharski voted against.

Details of the Heavily Debated Beer Garden Proposal

Sprecher Brewing Company (headquartered in Glendale, Wisconsin) would manage the beer garden and supply the tables, chairs, umbrellas, bartenders and, of course, the beer.
Sprecher would offer 8 to 10 types of beer, plus their acclaimed gourmet sodas. They also plan to sell light snacks.
Sprecher Brewing would rent the Village Park “cookhouse” building from the Thiensville Fire Department.
The beer garden would be open from mid-June to early fall.
The proposed hours of operation are 5-9 p.m. during the week and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
Sprecher promises to promote the Thiensville beer garden, thereby creating greater awareness for Thiensville as a whole.

What’s in it for Thiensville? Sprecher would pay 15 percent of food and beverage profits to the Thiensville Business Renaissance Committee and fire department.

Obviously, there are pros and cons to this idea.

Cons

Local Thiensville businesses could potentially lose business to the beer garden. Trustee Kucharski, who voted against the proposal, owns Skippy’s Sports Pub & Grub which is less than a half mile from Village Park. Other local eateries such as Remington’s River Inn, and Chuck’s Place could be affected as well.
Village Park currently has the reputation as family park, with a fantastic kids’ play area located near the proposed beer garden site. Adding a beer garden inherently changes the park’s character.
Drinking in the park could endanger public safety.

Pros

A summer beer garden could be a great community-gathering option, a place to meet friends and family for a drink while the kids play in the park.
Sprecher plans to allocate about half of its southeastern Wisconsin radio advertising to the new endeavor. Bringing more people to Thiensville could actually increase sales for nearby businesses.
Obviously, there’s the revenue side. Fifteen percent of food and beverage profits would add to the village coffers.
Also, as a fail-safe measure, the proposal includes a fall review of the beer garden’s impact on local businesses. If it’s negative, the beer garden would not re-open next year.

Next steps: the Thiensville Village Board, would need to approve a detailed proposal before Sprecher could proceed. Stay tuned!

Health nutrition is an substantial part of leading a good lifestyle. But can medicaments help us? At present more than half of men aged 40 to 70 reported some degree of erectile dysfunctions. Typically, both men and women are affected by sexual dysfunctions. At present divers articles were published about levitra vs cialis. How you can find detail information about “viagra or cialis“? The most substantial question you have to look for is “tadalafil vs sildenafil“. What can cause erectile disfunction? Erectile dysfunction ordinarily has more than one root. Prescription drugs can save lives, but they can also come with dangerous side effects. It’s significant to remember that not all medicaments are healthy. The soundness care purveyor will decide which dosage is fit for you. If the remedy is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.