Milwaukee Preservation Alliance survey motivates organization to take action and encourage broader public discussion on new Bucks arena.

The Milwaukee Bucks owners and investors are currently in the process of determining a location for the construction of a new arena. When the conversation about sites for the arena development began to include the demolition of historic buildings, MPA decided to survey its membership and the broader community for feedback on some issues surrounding the topic. The short survey was designed to help the MPA board develop a strategy and position aligned with the organization’s mission, the interests of MPA membership, and our community.

The MPA Arena Survey was sent to MPA members and posted to the MPA Facebook page. The MPA membership had a week to respond to the survey and it was opened up to the community for the final two days. In spite of the limited distribution of the survey and the limited time period the response was remarkable.

Survey results showed the following:

• The overwhelming majority of respondents, at 77%, said they would like to have more public dialogue.
• The greatest issues stated for concern are the financing of the arena and threats to existing buildings.
• When asked for a site preference, 66% chose sites that are currently vacant (land immediately north of the Bradley Center, Park East Corridor, etc.). Six percent had no preference.
• When asked if MPA should speak out as the voice for historic buildings located within the proposed sites, 68% responded in the affirmative.

This is an exciting opportunity to enhance the city’s built environment, one that should be approached sustainably and with consideration of the existing urban fabric by diminishing the threat to existing buildings. Based on the results of the survey, MPA is advocating for additional public dialogue regarding the arena location. Pursuing alternatives to support a vital, walkable downtown that will serve city residents, suburban visitors, and tourists alike is essential to the success of the arena and should be the focus of these discussions.

Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting stewardship and awareness of the historic, cultural, and economic value of Milwaukee’s built heritage. MPA aims to strengthen Milwaukee’s neighborhoods by advocating for and promoting their unique cultural spaces and architectural assets in order to foster a strong and vibrant community as well as demonstrating the link between historic preservation and viable economic development.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.