Every year the mayor of Milwaukee announces a list of projects that stand out for their design. They are chosen based on creative excellence, and contribution to the urban landscape.

This year 30 projects were recognized, which were completed in 2009. Highlights of the list:

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Click for Full List Of Projects & Pictures. (http://www.jsonline.com/multimedia/photos/46262322.html?c=y&index=30&page=0)

Some of these are fantastic projects. But others I just don't understand. 153 N Milwaukee is not a particularly interesting building. And it certainly doesn't complement the neighborhood. I really love that the mayor gave recognition to Kilbourn Reservoir Park. It is an amazing addition to the city. I would love to turn it into Milwaukee's version of Mont Royal in Montreal.

I was surprised to see the Direct Supply addition on the list... until you remember that a large part of the award is addition to the urban area around it. Which, considering Direct Supply is actually expanding and building in an area of the city with high vacancy rates and companies moving out of, is a pretty cool thing. Plus the building is actually pretty nice inside, even if uninspired from the front.