Rocky Marcoux

After IKON Hotel Issues, Council Moves To Assert More Control of TIF Districts

City has foregone $540,000 in interest payments at discretion of administration.

IKON Hotel Deal At Risk of Default

Haywood Group could default on $4 million city loan. City could end up owning empty mall.

TIF Could Fund Traffic Calming, Affordable Housing Near Downtown

City proposing $6.5 million for traffic calming, anti-displacement housing efforts in area north of Fiserv Forum.

Inside Komatsu Mining’s Massive New Harbor District Campus

P&H parent company swaps a ribbon cutting for a tree planting in opening new factory.

On the reemergence of America’s Black Holocaust Museum

Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs February 25, 2022

Mandel Delaying Portfolio Because of Market Saturation

Lakefront tower has been reduced in height since 2016 proposal, but firm still believes too much competition exists.

Tearman Spencer Attacks Robert Bauman

City Attorney says alderman broke local, state and federal laws and has bullied and exceeded his authority at great cost to taxpayers.

Tom Barrett Takes Oath To Serve As Ambassador

No longer mayor, Barrett is preparing to head to Luxembourg.

Barrett, Officials Celebrate Couture Groundbreaking

Nine years after building was first proposed. 'Like making sausage. It's not pretty.'

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $500

Brown Appointed To City Plan Commission

City Hall veteran, former DCD Deputy Commissioner Martha Brown to fill vacant seat.

Construction Underway on Largest New Urban Manufacturing Plant in US

Komatsu Mining building $285 million manufacturing and office complex in Harbor District.

Milwaukee city development commissioner goes ‘On the Issues’ Aug. 26

Council Spending Hours Reviewing Barrett’s Appointments

Plenty of praise and criticism for department heads, including Jeff Polenske and Jeanette Kowalik.

Demolition Underway for Adams Hotel

Plus: DCD gets new leadership team

Library Director Paula Kiely Retiring

Kiely has led library since 2006, presided over great change.

Crump Wins Committee Support to Head DCD

New commissioner would serve in one of most visible, influential administration roles.

Lafayette Crump Appointed DCD Leader

Duke graduated attorney works for Milwaukee DNC 2020, has experience with real estate development.

DCD Leader Rocky Marcoux Will Retire

Marcoux has held position for 16 years, survived contentious reappointment battles.

Mayor Names Lafayette Crump to Head City Development

Commissioner-Nominee is a Champion of Economic Growth and Inclusion

Is A Couture Deal Finally Coming?

City officials say it is, while Ald. Bauman pushes city to separate streetcar from project.

Perez Leads Termination of Friends of Housing Contract

Frustrated by nuisance properties, Alderman takes aim at organization's city contracts.

Lakefront Tower Loses A Few Floors

Plus: Northridge Mall trial starts, Foxconn bailing on project could cause up to $120 million state bailout.

500 Media Members Get DNC Preview

Officials host national media for first look at city and convention venues.

Meet HQ501

Scott Lurie, in partnership with RINKA, unveils renderings for redeveloped Assurant building.

Can Downtown Boom Boost Poorer Areas?

Airbnb tax, mentorship program, other proposals suggested to boost investment elsewhere.

Could Strauss Plant Deal Be Revived?

Ald. Johnson working to save deal, Barrett holds out hope, community meeting planned.

The Quiet Plan to Save Grand Avenue

Actually written 10 years ago. Civic leaders discuss how public private partnerships revived Downtown.

Business Leader Blasts Council on Strauss Deal

Hamilton and council members are to blame for losing hundreds of jobs, Sheehy says.

Who Lost the Strauss Brands Deal?

State Sen. Lena Taylor helped kill a deal bringing hundreds of jobs to depressed Century City area.

Barrett Blasts Council On Strauss Deal

They let "malarkey" of disinformation campaign kill meat processing plant deal, he charges.

Strauss Deal is Dead

Company pulls plug on $60 million Century City deal after area alderman decides he opposes it.

RACM Approves Land Use for Meat Processing Plant

While council stalled financing package, RACM okays land use change affecting Strauss Brands.

RACM Approves Deal for Schuster’s

City TIF payment, up to $15 million, to help finance project to redevelop old department store.

Tent City Being Evicted

Plus: A packed week of real estate news, including the Schuster's project moving forward.

City Contributing Up To $15 Million to Schuster’s Project

Financing will support $84 million project for Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Medical College of Wisconsin.

Couture Streetcar Extension Decision Pushed to June 2020

"We look like complete fools," says Bauman as Marcoux expresses confidence in project.

Developer Assembling Land for Ikon Hotel

Kalan Haywood confirms hotel won't be open by DNC.

Council Approves Ikon Hotel Deal Despite Objections

Plus: Council unanimously endorses host of other development projects.

City Preparing Interior Demo of Northridge Boston Store

City hopes to redevelop site, still pursuing demolition of China-owned mall.

Strauss Would Bring 250 Jobs to City

Deal with meat supplier to relocate in Century City gets thumbs up from RACM board.

Committee Okays $5 Million More for Ikon Hotel

But only after a debate as to whether a project in the city's black community is "risky."

Wangard Plans “Eagleknit” in Walker’s Point

Plus: Action-packed week of real estate includes new apartments, downtown HQ and more pizza.

Why Talgo Stays in Milwaukee

Company's customers are on the West Coast, so why expand its Milwaukee facility?

New Park, Harbor View Plaza Opens

Meet the kid-friendly, $1.5 million park overlooking harbor at east end of Greenfield Avenue.

No Streetcar Expansion in Time for DNC

Proposal held again. Marcoux, Hamilton fight over future of streetcar.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates SEVEN04 Place, Developer Brandon Rule

First development from young, African-American developer brings new, affordable housing to Walker's Point.

Komatsu Unveils Harbor District Designs

See what the "largest urban manufacturing proposal in the United States" will look like.

Marcoux Warns Not Acting Could Jeopardize Streetcar Extension

DCD officials tell council delaying project approval would cost $8.1 million annually.

Council Grabs More Design Oversight

Bauman reaches compromise with Marcoux. Council gets some say on new overlay zones.

No Agreement on Streetcar Extension

Mayor's press conference touts $160 million expansion plan. Delay could hurt city, he says.

Asian Market at Northridge By 2021?

After city condemns building, the mall's owners introduce development plan, timeline.

Council Holds Streetcar Extension

Streetcar proponents become opponents, push for longer extension to Walker's Point.

Legacy Lofts Ribbon Cutting

Historic structure and new building are already full.

Council Okays Subsidy for One MKE Plaza

Comptroller calls the deal a "significant risk" but council votes 12-3 in favor.

Northridge Owners Appeal Raze Order

City wants to redevelop vacant mall citing inaction, safety concerns, but ownership objects.

Committee Okays City Funds for Ikon Hotel

One MKE Plaza proposal for old Sears site on North Ave. gets first city approval.

Ikon Hotel Deal Gets First Approval

Plus: A Waukesha jail is now an apartment building.

City Moves to Demolish Northridge Mall

Condemnation order starts process to razing building and perhaps seizing property.

7 Takeaways From Ikon Hotel Deal

Will city build a pedestrian bridge? A beer bet on what? How many stoplights from Downtown?

Old Sears Building to Become New Hotel

80-room Ikon Hotel and 24,600-square-foot conference center planned for 21st and North.

$100 Million Will Transform Old Schuster’s

Medical College and Greater Milwaukee Foundation will anchor redone Bronzeville building.

Who Gets Design Oversight?

Bauman wants council control over overlay zones, while DCD, local developers object.

Any City Progress on Affordable Housing?

Has Barrett's 10,000 homes initiative had an impact? Council members give mixed grades

Top 10 Stories of 2018

Fiserv Forum, Komatsu, Michels, The Hop, but what surprise story took number one?

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $500

Council Okays Largest Urban Manufacturing Deal in U.S.

West Milwaukee company will move to city, but will it create any new jobs?

Committee Okays $40 Million For Komatsu

But financing for $285 million manufacturing campus gets blasted by Ald. Bauman.

Komatsu Deal Includes Commuter Rail Station

City would have option to buy site for Walker's Point station for a KRM line.

America’s Largest Urban Manufacturing Proposal?

City Plan Commission approves land sale for $285 million deal with Komatsu company.

Ashanti Hamilton Files for Mayoral Run

Is Chris Abele planning to back Hamilton?

The Couture Cleared for Takeoff

Long-anticipated project receives financing commitment from federal government.

Take A Virtual Ride on The Hop

Mayor shows off The Hop in advance of Friday's public opening.

Downtown Tunnel Gets Colorful Mural

"Migration," a 50-foot-long mural, will delight 1,400 migrating weekday pedestrians.

Many Oppose Kinnickinnic Ave. Buildings

Two-hour meeting allows Bay View neighbors to vent about proposed 220-unit complex.

Streetcar On Time and On Budget

The Hop was on time and "almost balanced to the dime," officials note.

Health Department Faces Criminal Probe

Spat between Hamilton and Zielinski reveals DA investigating and Baker hiring lawyer.

City Lands $285 Million Industrial Campus

Komatsu Mining will move its West Milwaukee mining equipment campus to Harbor District.

Craft Brewer’s Century City Plan Approved

City takes a loss on sale to Good City Brewing, but feels project is a big long-term win.

Harbor District Emerges

All the sudden the sleepy harbor is the place for hundreds of million in development.

Growing Bronzeville

City selling gateway to neighborhood

Legacy Lofts Rises in Lindsay Heights

Historic structure and new building will be joined to create 64 affordable apartments.

Good City Expands to Century City

Craft brewery will locate its office and warehouse on 31st and Capitol in redeveloping area.

Zielinski Ramps Up Mayoral Campaign

"I want to run against Barrett," alderman says, laying out issues he will use against mayor.

Rebuilding a Vibrant Bronzeville

Actor Danny Glover and many local notables celebrate new development anchored by Black Holocaust Museum.

New Building for Freshwater Plaza Moves Forward

City seeks to update design standards for Walker's Point development.

New Development in Menomonee Valley?

A new road and design solutions could attract development and 800 new jobs.

Vision unveiled for 40 acres of land in the Menomonee Valley

Design charette concepts revealed for six key sites

Let Us Celebrate Saint John’s Third Tower

Ground breaking for third lakefront tower draws crowd of saints and sinners.

Downtown’s Hot But Cooling Off?

And bad news for city on mortgage foreclosures.

Downtown Has Added 11,450 Housing Units

All under Barrett, all since 2004. But what about the rest of the city?

Multiple Tower Groundbreakings in 2018

Couture, 1550 are in the works, but what about another lakefront tower?

Money for Amazon for Startups?

Milwaukee 7 leader Jim Paetsch floated the idea. Plus: more apartment projects.

The Hubbub in Walker’s Point

It's all happening in Walker's Point, a bevy of busy reporters agree.

More Apartments, Retail for Walker’s Point

Wangard development is compromise between city, developer and alderman.

Huge Project for 27th and Wisconsin?

Near West Side Partners buying entire block, hypes development, wants free city land.

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $500

Affordable Housing Plan Inches Forward

But proposal has been narrowed, will only affect city-financed projects.

How Legacy Lofts Overcame the Odds

Conversion of old ice cream factory died many times before work could begin.

New Bay View Park Denied, For Now

“It looks like Mayor Barrett won,” says Ald. Zielinski.

Pete’s Fruit Market Boosts Bronzeville

New grocery store comes after neighbors opposed Family Dollar moving in.

Third Ward Ballet Building Okayed

New 50,000-square-foot building could transform the Milwaukee Ballet.

Sherman Park Redevelopment Launched

City to assist in financing $2.5 million redevelopment of former BMO Harris Bank branch.

The Return of Talgo

Returns to central city plant here, will service and repairs trains for U.S. customers.

White Power in Milwaukee

Open housing marches of 1967 triggered ugly reactions from whites.

Next Generation of Real Estate Leaders

ACRE, established in 2005, works to increase diversity in development arena

Noted Milwaukee Urban Planner Lawrence Witzling Receives Pioneer Award from the American Planning Association

The Pioneer Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions that have reshaped planning practice, education or theory

Can City Mend Highway 175?

Four plans to fix terminus at 46th and Lisbon presented.

Changes Made to Couture’s Design

Design tweaks address concerns of neighboring 833 East developer.

Alderwoman Lewis to host State of the District event on April 5

Alderwoman Chantia Lewis invites residents from throughout the city to attend her inaugural State of the District Address

Contribution to Tom Barrett of $400

The Milwaukee Streetcar is Hiring

The contractor needs workers and city residents get preference.

BMO Harris to Build New High-Rise

The story behind Milwaukee's newest tower and oldest bank, and how deal was done.

Will Problem Intersection Be Fixed?

City hopes to fix North and Lisbon and issues spotlighted by Urban Milwaukee.

30th Street Corridor Wins $200,000 Grant

Federal green infrastructure grant could help transform area some call “Blackfish Bay.”

More Than Downtown Development Needed

City leaders at economic summit say more development must occur in neighborhoods.

Northwest Side CDC Advancing The North Corridor Vision

Keynote and discussion presented “The 30th Street Corridor Like You’ve Never Seen It Before”

Rocky Marcoux Keeps His Job

In a dramatic turnabout, the once-dead DCD head gains 11 of 15 council member votes.

Zurn HQ Rising in Reed Street Yards

First new building in city's water technology park nearly complete.

Committee Again Says Yes to Rocky

DCD head Rocky Marcoux once again endorsed at committee, but his fate is still uncertain.

City Committee Approves Prospect Tower

5-0 vote in favor, but project may face significant challenge before full council.

Why Rocky Marcoux Is In Trouble

New Common Council leaders want to ax the DCD leader. But why? Few will say.

Rocky Marcoux’s Job in Jeopardy

Council majority votes no, but decision will get reconsidered. His chances look slim.

Is Kimpton Hotel “Project of the Decade”?

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel opens in Third Ward, to cheers of city and civic officials.

Rocky Marcoux Wins Committee Approval

DCD leader was thought to be in trouble, but city committee votes 4-0 to reconfirm.

All Hail Milwaukee’s New City Flag

Robert Lenz’s creation is the winner. Will Common Council make it the city’s official flag?

Milwaukee Hosts Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference

From May 23-25, Main Street Now attendees will study economic development successes, opportunities in Milwaukee and statewide

Bucks Arena Design Approved

There were few objections other than by Ald. Kovac. Arena on track for June 18th groundbreaking.

Bronzeville Gets a Cool Grocery Store

Ald. Coggs opposed a Dollar Store. Pete’s Fruit Market will move into old Walgreens on MLK Dr.

Contribution to Michael Murphy of $350

Could arena district turn Haymarket Square into a new east side or 3rd Ward?

Construction Costs Will Rise Slightly

Report also says Milwaukee building boom should continue through 2016.

Will Bucks’ Plaza Be Public or Private?

Team wants 4th Street closed, but will this create a town square or just team profits?

Germania apartments development seeking $1.5 million from city

Contribution to Terry Witkowski of $300

BID Sells Streetcar-Related Development

Downtown BID guide shows business support, sells vacant land along streetcar route.

What Has Mayor Barrett Accomplished?

After nearly 12 years in office, his impact can be seen -- if you look hard.

New Era for Riverside Theater

Cool new retro marquee unveiled. And an ongoing project will upgrade the entire theater.

All Hail Our Business Improvement Districts

City party celebrates work of 35 BIDs, which have helped improve many city neighborhoods.

New North Side MATC Campus Needed?

Investors who purchased old Sears building on North Ave. are pursuing idea.

The Design Competition That Wasn’t

Lakefront Gateway competition picked a team, not a design. So what will that mean for the lakefront?

Ugly duckling: Chicago developer plans to turn downtown post office into a swan

Northridge retail buildings targeted for light industrial space

Sherman Park Residents Decry Vacant Properties

Issue dominates town hall meeting held by Ald. Russell Stamper

City Accepts $14 Million Federal Streetcar Grant

City wins TIGER grant after "a brutal competition" where demand for transit dollars greatly exceeded the sums appropriated.

Committee approves sale of city lot for retail development

Barrett, Walker, Tout New Freshwater Plaza

$48 million mixed-use development has a little to do with water and a location near inner harbor.

Chicago developer buys downtown Milwaukee post office building

Disagreement on closing street could affect Bucks arena plan

City panel OKs $47 million for Bucks arena; opening may be delayed to 2018

City help for Milwaukee Bucks development approved after community benefits debate

The City’s Real Costs for Bucks Arena

The exact total is unknown, but will be much higher than media has reported.

Bucks cash could help finance city’s parking structure

We Must Imitate Other Cities

New study says we must build a Bucks arena and bigger convention center. But its data actually tells a much different story.

Downer Avenue Stalled by Joel Lee?

City officials meet with neighbors about Downer Avenue, a thriving retail strip with one huge problem: Landlord Joel Lee's foreclosed properties.

Streetcar Signing Is Quite a Celebration

The mayor, business leaders and pols toasted the streetcar in Cudahy's Irish Pub, with Michael Cudahy on hand.

Ald. Joe Davis calls for more transparency on Joint Review Board meetings

Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. February 12, 2015

Milwaukee Streetcar Approved

After years of debate, streetcar will finally move forward. Final engineering will begin immediately, and construction by the end of the year.

Streetcar Backers Say They Have the Votes

Aldermen Witkowski and Perez now favor it, and touted plan to extend the line into their south-side districts.

Architects Develop Plans for Near South Side

Charette creates architectural plans for underdeveloped parts of Clarke Square and Silver City neighborhoods.

Council Delays Streetcar Until January

Minority of aldermen were able to use city charter provision to delay project for one month, but a majority seems poised to approve it.

Committee Takes No Action on Streetcar

Public Works Committee votes to send streetcar proposal to full council, setting up a showdown Dec. 16th.

Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar

Mayor offers historic address to council committee on streetcar and it gains their approval. Only one person speaks in opposition.

RACM Approves Tax Funding for Streetcar

The TIF funding approved will also pay for infrastructure for The Couture high-rise, whose architect promised it will "push the boundaries of urban design."

Is Barry Mandel the Michael Jordan of Development?

Barrett rhapsodizes over developer at groundbreaking of North End III. And Fresh Thyme owner adds praise of Mandel style.

UWM welcomes the public to the School of Freshwater Sciences’ new home

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee celebrates the opening of the expanded home of its School of Freshwater Sciences.

City Leaders Plot New Urban Placemaking Effort

With some creative use of grant money, the Greater Milwaukee Committee is helping neighborhoods update their image by ‘Urban Placemaking’

Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground

"A beautiful day in Milwaukee" and for assembled power brokers as Northwestern Mutual's new skyscraper gets underway.

Visiting Leaders Pitch Pro Stadiums — And Transit!

MMAC organized event to sell NBA arena, but speakers from Cleveland, Denver and OKC said Millenials want transit, too.

A Tale of Two Cities

New city report reveals huge split between Milwaukee’s desperate poverty and wonderful amenities, neighborhoods. What are its solutions?

How UWM Deal Will Affect the Bucks

UWM’s naming rights for old U.S. Cellular Arena could change where new NBA arena is built -- and what happens to Bradley Center.

New 18-Story Downtown Building Breaks Ground

The $102 million, 18-story tower at 833 E. Michigan is huge development, with no city financing. The full story, with photos and building renderings.

Finally, a New Park East Plan

Ten years later, the city and county are finally on the same page. Is development in the area ready to "explode"?

Paul Jakubovich’s 1927 English Tudor

The city's preservation planner calls the shots on changes to historic buildings and districts -- as well as in his own home.

Brooklyn Chamber CEO to help open new BizStarts offices

New BizForge services aiming to foster entrepreneurial growth in SE Wisconsin similar to Brooklyn

The House of Hank the Dog

The Brewer's canine mascot has a nine-room Whitefish Bay home and 10,000 square foot lot to roam in, all worth $570,000.

City Unveils Design Ideas for Bronzeville

Six architectural firms helped with ideas, centered around west North Avenue.

Milwaukee Wins an Invitation to the Community Progress Leadership Institute

Prestigious Training Effort will Help Milwaukee Address Foreclosures and Vacant Homes

Huge Turnout for City Birthday Party

Lots of politicians, journalists, lobbyists and others glad-handed each other and drank free beer to salute the city's 168th birthday.

Can City Save Boston Store?

City subsidy will keep declining store open, but leaves controversial questions about its downtown strategy.

Public Weighs In On Lakefront Project

Information meeting at Public Market had a full house. There's still time to add your views to the discussion.

I-794 Comes Crumbling Down

A portion of freeway is getting torn down for new lakefront development plan. Our photos capture it.

Millennials Drive Downtown Growth, GMC Told

Younger residents far more important than empty nesters in driving city growth, and urban areas are surpassing suburbs, speakers at conference note.

Does Downer Avenue Need a Tax Subsidy?

Developer Joel Lee claims the buzzing retail strip needs help from the city.

Big Ideas for Bronzeville?

Loft apartments, a jazz club and multi-story hotel were among the development ideas for at a brainstorming session.

Meeting To Focus on Potential Development Opportunities in Bronzeville

News Release from Alderwoman Milele Coggs

Ground Breaking Day in the Park East

A flock of public officials turned out to celebrate the Avenir, a $20.7 million, 104-unit mixed-use building that begins construction.

A Tour of Bronzeville

Guided tour by city officials reveals strengths and weaknesses of an area city hopes to revive.

MSOE Soccer Garage Debuts

MSOE unveils parking garage, athletic field complex.

Bronzeville Week all about celebrating the past, present and future of key Milwaukee district

Art, history, commerce, community and culture rooted in a rich urban tradition comes together starting Saturday, August 17 as the inaugural Bronzeville Week kicks off in Milwaukee, hosted by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs.

Supervisors Stall $60 Million Park East Proposal

Citing lack of "information," county committee in essence reopens the process of selecting a developer for Park East Block 22.

Ald. Witkowski, City Negotiate Concessions from WallyPark;

Restaurant/Retail/Hotel In Plans for Property at Howell and Layton

Make Way for Wisconsin’s Largest Building!

Plan for new NML building has been expanded to make it the state's largest building.

Rocky’s Throne of Stone

Neighbor and boss Tom Barrett says DCD head Rocky Marcoux worthy of Nobel Prize, but is his house?

Every Politician in Town

Well, not quite, but the City's Birthday Party had a big turnout of politicians and insiders.

Northwestern Mutual Tower Advances

Proposal that's a "celebration of Downtown" sails through the city's Redevelopment Authority.

Bait and Switch?

One building was presented, but another is being built. Ald. Bauman's proposal will end such practices.

Four More Years

The Common Council approves the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux for another term.

The Saga Continues

Once again, a city committee approved -- after disagreeing -- the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux.

DCD’s Rocky Marcoux is cleared by DA’s Office

Today I received correspondence from the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office, notifying me that the investigation of my inquiry into possible criminal wrongdoing on the part of Commissioner Rocky Marcoux of the Department of City Development had been completed.

The Voter Suppression Game

Both parties are devising strategies to discourage voting. But Republicans are using government power.

A Really Rocky Road

Opponents succeed in delaying the reappointment of DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux, sending a message to Marcoux and Mayor Barrett.

Not Too Rocky a Road. So Far.

DCD Commissioner Rocky Marcoux's reappointment won committee approval, but what will the full council do?

The Chicago Challenge

Economic cooperation with our massive neighbor could help Milwaukee. But Gov.Scott Walker stands in the way.

The Couture Press Conference

Developers and politicians unite behind the podium to unveil 44-story project.

Last Days for the Sydney Hih

Unless a savior comes along before July 6th, it truly will have been the last days for the Sydney Hih.

Rocky Road

Some aldermen want to dump DCD head Rocky Marcoux, but Mayor Barrett disagrees.

After Revisions Office Building Approved for 27th and Wisconsin

WIS27 LLC's proposal to develop a 64,000 SF office building at the corner of 27th Street and Wisconsin Avenue was approved by the Milwaukee Common Council today. WIS27 will purchase the vacant lot from the city for $1, and intends to lease the new building to the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.

The North End Phase Two Groundbreaking Photos

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place at the corner of Pleasant and Water streets today for the Portrait and Silhouette buildings at The North End, collectively known as Phase Two of The North End. A number of public officials were on hand representing the large number of public funding sources required to get the project off the ground (or more aptly, in the ground) with the state of private financing for development.

Downtown Plan Gains Approval at Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee

Department of City Development staff presented the Downtown Plan Update at the September 15th 2010 Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee meeting. Similar to the City Plan Commission meeting staff presented the overall themes and the eight catalytic projects, which are geared towards increasing density and connectivity throughout downtown, whiles creating a sense of place.

Could 2010 be the Year of the Park East?

After today's news, nationally 2010 might go down as the year of high-speed rail, but here in Milwaukee it just might be the year of the Park East.

S. 2nd Street Street Re-design Approved at Committee

For over a year business owners, property owners, and residents in Walker's Point have worked to have S. 2nd Street rebuilt with people in mind. The plan, as UrbanMilwaukee.com has covered in past, includes narrowing the street from 58 feet to 50 feet, removing travel lanes, and adding bike lanes, street trees, and new lighting with the goal of creating a street conducive to multiple modes of transportation, be it walking, biking, or driving.

The Bookends Project Held Pending Comptroller Input

New Land Enterprises and Wiechman Enterprises were seeking a change in zoning and a loan guarantee by the City of Milwaukee for the Bookends North project.

The Moderne Project Held for Special Committee Meeting

The Moderne, if approved, would be located at 1141 N. Old World Third St.

The Reed Street Yards is Worth the Investment

"It has been vacant for decades," said Dan Casanova, of the Department of City Development. The 17-acre property known as the Reed Street Yards is located between South 6th Street and South 3rd Street just across from the Harley-Davidson Museum in Walker's Point. This property has been targeted by the City of Milwaukee as the potential epicenter of Milwaukee's water industry. The property itself, despite being centrally located, has sat vacant for years, and currently has no infrastructure, such as roads and sewers that are necessary to support future development.

S. 2nd Street Complete Streets Effort Moves Forward!

This past Friday a public meeting was held to discuss the reconstruction of S. 2nd Street in Walker's Point from National Ave. north to the train tracks.

The Politics of Real Estate Development – Park East Edition

The tale of the Fair Market Development, LLC Park East development proposal is one already lined with intrigue.

M.O.R.E. Ordinance Approved by F&P Committee

The controversial M.O.R.E ordinance which had been sent to committee at the previous Common Council meeting was further debated at this Finance & Personnel Committee meeting.

Community & Economic Development Committee Hears About Milwauee 7

Milwaukee Department of City Development Commissioner Rocky Marcoux presented a report, file number 070876, on the progress of the Milwaukee 7 initiative. Northwest Side Area Comprehensive Plan,He highlighted the group’s efforts which included 425 site visits, helping to maintain some 2300+ jobs and creating 3300+ news jobs. Another significant highlight of the Milwaukee 7’s progress was the creation of an Immigrant Investment Zone. It gives immigrants permanent resident status if they invest $1,000,000 in new business within the investment zone. During the discussion of the Immigrant Investment Zone a question from the committee asked Marcoux about the possibility of a new World Trade Center building being constructed in Milwaukee. He responded by saying “There’s obviously going to be a cost associated with that, but I think that it will pay big dividends.” Alderman Tony Zielinski brought forward a resolution, file number 071136, directing the Office of Environmental Sustainability to study the feasibility of city financing of solar installations. The plan, based on a study in Berkeley, CA, would fund low interest loans to cover the initial capital costs of installing solar panels allowing for wider adoption of this technology. The Environmental Sustainability Director Ann Beier pointed out that as the use of solar panels grows in new construction that “we know there will be a demand for solar installers in the future”. Making the point that this is a program that not only looks at reducing pollution but this plan could lead to new job growth in an emerging market and new development.

City Moves to Dismiss Rico Suit

A Milwaukeeworld Scoop

Buffett Tour on Hold

“Spirit – The Seventh Fire” has been put on hiatus.

At it Again

Alderman asked to make big money decision on 24 hour notice.

Voting With The Mayor

Mayor Barrett’s office announced Monday that he would vote at City Hall at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Burke Gets Break

The Supreme Court granted a stay Friday, and Burke’s trial is postponed.