Tom Daykin writes about a film that documents that restoration of Milwaukee’s Renaissance Building.

“The Renaissance,” a one-hour documentary by independent filmmaker Chris Smith, features interviews with about a dozen people who operated businesses at Heartland’s Renaissance building, 309 N. Water St. Most of those businesses featured in the film – including Smith’s film production company – have since moved out.
Smith said the film discusses the sense of community that existed among the 19th century building’s arty businesses, which also included ad agencies, a recording studio, and a graphics design firm. The film focuses on how the remodeling work affected that community, including reactions of some tenants who face the prospect of leaving the building – and their friends, Smith said.