Foundation Community Center

After the demise of Gay Peoples Union, the Cream City Foundation opened a new community center in December 1987. 

The Foundation Community Center was designed to fill a critical need in Milwaukee’s LGBTQ community: an affordable place where organizations could meet regularly, often at little or no cost. For seven years, local groups were forced to meet in libraries, the back rooms of bars and other welcoming businesses, or the homes of volunteers. Each option had its limitations. A dedicated meeting space was essential for the continued growth and development of Milwaukee’s LGBTQ community.

The Foundation Community Center was located at 225 S. 2nd Street, in a building between the popular Club 219 and C'est La Vie. The building's owner, Clarence Germershausen -- better known as John Clayton, the owner of C'est La Vie -- provided significant financial assistance for the project.

The center included three rooms. All were available for meetings of various sizes, but each had a primary purpose. One served as an office for the Cream City Foundation and other organizations, with shared access to a computer and office equipment. Another was the Peter Johnson Memorial Conference Room. The largest room could be configured for social gatherings, larger meetings, and other community events.

The Foundation Community Center quickly became a gathering place for numerous Milwaukee LGBTQ organizations. Larger events were hosted by the Lambda Rights Network and Oberons. Regular meetings were held there by the Saturday Softball League, Dignity, New Hope MCC Church, and the Milwaukee Lesbian Gay Pride Committee.

In May 1989, the center also hosted a milestone meeting with newly elected Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist, providing an opportunity for the city's LGBT community to meet with its new mayor.

The September 1988 issue of the CCF Update newsletter featured extensive coverage of the Foundation Community Center, including articles about its creation and role in the community.  

In 1989, InStep leased the space next door at 221 S. 2nd Street. Cream City Foundation vacated the building and relocated to the Enterprise Center (2821 N. 4th St.)