Thomas LittelmannLooking to settle in a diverse and integrated neighborhood, Thomas Littelmann bought his first home in Sherman Park in 1987. Raised in Toledo, Ohio, Mr. Littelmann moved to Milwaukee in 1973 to attend Marquette University. He also attended the University of Detroit for a time but returned to Marquette to finish his studies. After graduating in 1979, Mr. Littelmann lived in an apartment in the area for nearly a decade.
Mr. Littelmann was drawn to Sherman Park because he had heard of its residents’ fair housing activism. Although the real estate agent at that time, viewed this as a turn-away for many buyers, he believed that diversity was a positive aspect for this neighborhood. Additionally, he was stuck by the architecture and landscape of the neighborhood. He found tree-lined streets, beautiful gardens, and friendly neighbors. Recalling his decision to buy his first home here, he explained that “it just had ... everything that I was looking for in a house.” Mr. Littelmann enjoys conversing with his neighbors and is a long-time member of his block club, the Norwood Neighborhood Group. He attends their regular meetings, participates in dog walks, helps with litter cleanup, and attends the annual block party, which he sees as “a good time to just sit and converse with neighbors.” Beyond being involved at the block-level, Mr. Littelmann is also engaged with the community at a larger scale. He participates in the Sherman Park Community Association's neighborhood patrols and annual housing surveys. If anything, Littelmann would like to see more people getting involved with their communities "to keep the neighborhood in good shape.” He explains, "if people get to know their neighbors and they know ... what activity is normal, then they know what activity is out of the norm [too]. [Then they know] what is suspicious and, ... [when] they should call … the police non-emergency number to report on.” |
Concerns of Agent
Impression of Sherman Park
The Neighborhood Group
Block Party
A Negative Connotation
Keep the Neighborhood in Good Shape
Interaction with Neighbors
|