What does it take to light a bridge?
For many people, the answer starts with technology. But for those who have been part of the Light the Hoan journey, the answer is much bigger than software and infrastructure. It starts with people, partnerships, persistence, and a shared vision for what a community can become.
Recently, Light the Hoan welcomed Mike Lewis from Selma, Alabama, for a multi-day visit to Milwaukee. Michael is part of Lighting Selma, a community-led initiative exploring the illumination of the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge. The project aims to honor the bridge’s significance while creating new opportunities for tourism, economic development, education, and community pride.
Mike traveled north to learn firsthand how Milwaukee illuminated one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and transformed it into a canvas for connection. Over several days, we shared the technology behind the Hoan, along with the partnerships, community support, and collaboration that have helped bring the project to life.
One of the most important lessons from Michael’s visit was that Light the Hoan has always been about more than lighting a bridge.
Since the lights first illuminated the Hoan in 2020, the project has become a platform for celebration, education, economic development, and community connection. The bridge now serves as a canvas for causes, cultural celebrations, and shared experiences that unite Milwaukeeans.
To better understand that impact, Michael met with community leaders from Milwaukee’s Harbor District and Historic Third Ward. Together, they discussed how the illuminated bridge has helped strengthen Milwaukee’s identity, supported surrounding neighborhoods, created memorable visitor experiences, and contributed to the vibrancy of the lakefront.
These conversations highlighted something we often hear from Milwaukeeans: the Hoan Bridge is no longer just a way to get from one side of the city to the other. It has become a symbol of pride, connection, and possibility.
A critical part of Michael’s visit was understanding the many partnerships that make Light the Hoan possible.
One of those conversations included meeting with representatives from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, whose support and collaboration have been instrumental to our success from the very beginning. Like many landmark lighting projects, Light the Hoan depends on strong relationships between public agencies, community partners, and private supporters.
We are incredibly grateful for the WisDOT’s continued partnership, confidence in our mission, and commitment to helping us maintain and grow this unique community asset.
Throughout the visit, Michael also met with organizations and leaders who have helped shape Milwaukee’s waterfront, neighborhoods, educational programming, and tourism efforts. Each conversation reinforced the idea that successful civic projects are built through collaboration and a willingness to work toward a common goal.
Another key stop during the visit was Discovery World, where conversations focused on the educational opportunities created through Light the Hoan.
Together, we explored ideas around coding, engineering, creativity, and hands-on learning experiences that could engage students through bridge lighting technology. Programs like Code the Hoan show how lighting can introduce young people to STEM concepts while connecting them to real-world applications in their own communities.
One of the most exciting outcomes of the Hoan project has been seeing how public infrastructure can become more than a landmark; it can become a learning tool.
Michael’s visit also included a private tour of Wingspread in Racine, one of Wisconsin’s most remarkable architectural and cultural treasures.
While exploring the historic campus, conversations focused on leadership, community-building, placemaking, and the importance of creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. Much like the Hoan Bridge, Wingspread is a reminder that visionary projects can inspire communities and create meaningful connections for generations.
While there was plenty of learning packed into the visit, there was also time to experience Milwaukee itself.
Michael embraced a few Wisconsin traditions during his stay, including trying his first bratwurst and first Bloody Mary. He spent time exploring the city, meeting local leaders, and experiencing the welcoming spirit that makes Milwaukee such a special place.
By the end of the trip, Milwaukee had earned a spot among his favorite cities, and he was already talking about returning.
Every participant, every kit, every line of code adds to something larger. We’re building curiosity, confidence, and the next generation of problem-solvers.
Just like the Hoan itself, it all starts with a little Of course, no visit to Light the Hoan would be complete without getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the project works.
Michael learned about the technology powering more than 5,000 LED fixtures across the bridge and even spent time interacting with the lighting system himself. Seeing the scale of the operation up close helped bring years of planning, engineering, and innovation to life.
The visit reinforced an important lesson: while the lights create beautiful moments for the public, they are also powered by a complex network of technology, partnerships, and ongoing stewardship that keeps the bridge shining every night.
Perhaps the most meaningful outcome of Michael’s visit wasn’t a meeting, a presentation, or even seeing the Hoan lights up close, but leaving Milwaukee with a renewed sense of purpose.
Like many community-driven projects, the effort to illuminate the Edmund Pettus Bridge has required years of persistence, fundraising, relationship-building, and patience. Projects of this scale can be challenging, and progress isn’t always linear.
Throughout his visit, Michael saw firsthand what is possible when a community rallies around a shared vision and commits to seeing it through. He returned home with new ideas, new relationships, and renewed confidence that Selma can achieve its vision.
We are grateful to have played a small role in that journey and look forward to cheering on the Lighting Selma team as they work toward making their vision a reality!
This visit would not have been possible without the generosity, time, and expertise of so many individuals and organizations who welcomed Michael and shared their experiences.
Thank you to our partners at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Harbor District, Historic Third Ward, Discovery World, Wingspread, Visit Milwaukee, and the many community leaders who took time out of their schedules to meet with us.
Your willingness to share insights, lessons learned, and ideas demonstrates exactly what makes Milwaukee special. We are grateful for your partnership, hospitality, and belief in the power of community-driven projects.
The Hoan Bridge lighting project exists because thousands of people contributed their time, expertise, resources, and support to make it happen. That spirit of collaboration continues to fuel our work today.
As Selma explores what bridge lighting could mean for its community, we are honored to share our experiences, lessons learned, and connections. Every city’s journey will be different, but the power of light to inspire pride, spark conversation, and bring people together is universal.
Because sometimes, a bridge can do more than connect two sides of a body of water. It can connect an entire community.
