Grand Theatre ticket booth transformed to meet needs of visitors and newcomers

Downtown Milwaukee is finding creative ways to revitalize Wisconsin Ave. One of which includes addressing vacant spaces. Collaboration between the public and private sectors has resulted in a grand solution – the transformation of the former Grand Theatre’s ticket box into a downtown info booth.

The new Milwaukee Downtown Visitor & Newcomer Information Center, 214 W. Wisconsin Ave., is now open. Staffed by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21’s Public Service Ambassadors 62 hours per week, the kiosk features the latest maps and information on arts and entertainment options. Ongoing giveaways have been taking place to familiarize guests with the city’s latest resource center, and mini performances and other specialty acts will soon be programmed to further elevate awareness.

“The new info kiosk is a great resource for visitors and new residents,” said Beth Nicols, executive director of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.

“We look forward to enhancing our guests’ experiences and are excited to play a role in the latest resurgence of West Wisconsin Avenue.”

In recent months, members of the West Wisconsin Avenue Task Force, a group assembled at the direction of Mayor Tom Barrett, have made several exciting announcements. Most recently, The Shops of Grand Avenue announced three new tenants and a new arts incubator program, and new events like downtown’s first baseball block party and IndyFest Milwaukee have emerged. In August, the group will host a Wisconsin Avenue Bridge reopening party.

In addition, other vacant street-level properties have been targeted. With the property owners’ permission, Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 has been assuming responsibility for cleaning the windows and installing downtown branding signage.

The Milwaukee Downtown Visitor & Newcomer Information Center is another initiative born from the task force. The Marcus Corporation, in partnership with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, led the façade upgrades for the Milwaukee Downtown Visitor & Newcomer Information Center. Renovations included marquee repair, HVAC improvements, new signage and technology upgrades such as Internet access and a crawling calendar of events sign.

“Downtown Milwaukee is the hub of our region’s economy,” said Greg Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corporation. “We were glad to continue to do our part and participate in a project that will bring added life to this part of Wisconsin Avenue.

With foot traffic comes demand for businesses that are a part of this neighborhood. Our community needs to always be thoughtful about ways to generate demand.”

The Grand Theatre, formerly the Warner Theater, opened on May 1, 1931 – also the ribbon-cutting day of the Empire State Building. Designed in an art deco style, the building was created by Chicago architects C.W. and George Rapp. Upon its debut, the single-screen theater showed “Sit Tight” starring Joe E. Brown.

In 1966, The Warner was renamed the Centre and converted into a two-screen theater in 1973. It was later renamed in 1982 after the Grand Avenue Mall. Grand Cinemas closed June 1995. Its final flicks were “Tales From the Hood” and “Crimson Tide.”

“The use of the kiosk as a visitor and newcomer information center is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration,” said Steve Chernof, chair of the West Wisconsin Avenue Task Force. “The excitement behind the proposal has been phenomenal. Everyone from The City, The Marcus Corporation, Kahler Slater, Milwaukee Downtown and VISIT Milwaukee, offered their resources without hesitation to get the job done.”

The Milwaukee Downtown Visitor & Newcomer Information Center was made possible by: The Marcus Corporation, Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, City of Milwaukee Department of City Development, Westown Association, Milwaukee Development Corporation, Kahler Slater, KEI Landscape, West Wisconsin Avenue Task Force, VISIT Milwaukee and G4S Secure Solutions (USA) Inc. Summer hours of the info center are: Mon.-Fri.: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sat.: 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Sun.: 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., June through September.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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