One 5 Olive improves Milwaukee’s livability
Having a place to call home is something that everyone should be able to experience. Thanks to MMAC member One 5 Olive, more Milwaukee residents are being afforded the opportunity.
Founded in 2016 by brothers David Griggs and Gregory Davis, One 5 Olive is a Milwaukee-based real estate and construction management firm solving complex housing challenges. Over the last decade, the firm has focused on repairs and the rehabilitation of single-family homes, duplexes and small commercial properties, many of which were acquired through city of Milwaukee tax foreclosures. Recently, Griggs and Davis have shifted their attention to third-party work for nonprofits and municipalities supporting programs focused on critical property repairs for low- to moderate-income families.
Griggs and Davis are no strangers to Milwaukee. The two were born and raised in the area.
“We grew up in similar neighborhoods that we’re working in now, and a lot of the challenges that existed back then are still prevalent today,” said Davis.
According to the brothers, a large challenge for many Milwaukee residents is the rising cost to buy, build and maintain properties. As a result, many properties foreclose.
“I think more than anything, it starts with the fundamentals of home ownership…,” said Davis. “If you can’t maintain your home and you can’t find ways – whether that’s to make repairs or know contractors and individuals who can help repair small things before they get big – it kind of creates a snowball that rolls down the hill and then gets to a point where there’s no turning back.”
Since One 5 Olive’s launch, the firm has moved approximately 200 unique projects over the finish line and built strong relationships with partners including the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin Preservation Fund, Spring Bank, Forward Community Investments and numerous other institutions and nonprofits.
Last year served as a strong example of community partnership in action as One 5 Olive wrapped up 2025 with a project alongside the Milwaukee Community Land Trust (MCLT). By participating in the ARPA Homes MKE Program, a tax foreclosure program funded by federal dollars, One 5 Olive and MCLT were able to acquire and rehab five homes for five local families. According to Griggs, if it weren’t for MCLT, these individuals would likely have been unable to purchase the home.
“It’s a joint ownership structure between the land trust and the homeowner,” said Griggs. “The land trust is able to sell these homes to the homeowner at an incredibly low price.”
Griggs and Davis hope to expand the firm’s work outside of Milwaukee, assisting families across the state. The team is also looking for ways to streamline the process, removing barriers that slow down these life-changing projects. Lastly, the brothers are confident that through their work, they can continue sharing the story of community partners working to make Milwaukee a great place to live for everyone.
“I think the more that is invested in communities that desperately need it and are eager to grow, it’ll be quite beneficial for other communities that are already established,” said Davis.
To learn more about One 5 Olive, visit: https://one5olive.com/
