In a rare move, the city is going to provide Compass Properties LLC with $3.2 million to repair their two Water Street properties immediately north of the 100 East Wisconsin building. Compass Properties owns 731 N. Water Street, which has been vacant forever, and 735 N. Water Street, both of which were at one point part of First Wisconsin Bank during its heyday. The money will be spent primarily on repairing the adjacent RiverWalk section and the cornice of the 735 building, as Compass works to redevelop the properties.

The move is not without disagreement though, amongst a Common Council and Mayor that have long taken a stance opposed to any city money for private projects.

“We’re setting a very dangerous precedent,” said Ald. Michael Murphy, one of two aldermen who opposed the financing plan.

I know at one time there was talk that the skywalk system would stretch into these buildings with the rennovations and I think that would be a positive for Milwaukee. I’m not sure if that is still part of the plan, but it would be a boost to the system. As I walked through the 100 East Wisconsin portion of the system last weekend I was amazed at how every unit is empty. Any expansion of the system that brings in more foot traffic would be a positive for the other businesses on the system.