Milwaukee Downtown names its 2024 Downtown Achievement Award Winners

MILWAUKEE (Oct. 2, 2024) – Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 hosted its annual Downtown Achievement Awards program on Tuesday, Oct. 1, as part of its State of Downtown event. More than 250 stakeholders, business owners and community members gathered to learn the findings of the “Value of U.S. Downtowns and Center Cities” study by the International Downtown Association, hear what Milwaukee Downtown has accomplished over the last year, and review the organization’s upcoming initiatives.

The night began with a keynote address from David Downey, president and CEO of the International Downtown Association, before getting into Milwaukee Downtown’s core program successes. The accomplishments were followed by the awards ceremony, where nearly 20 projects, businesses and leaders were recognized for their contributions to the central business district. Winners of the 2024 Downtown Achievement Awards included:

The Couture, winner of the Visionary Award, after it became Wisconsin’s tallest residential structure standing at 44 stories high. The new building has delivered 322 high-end apartment units, 50,000 square feet for future retail and restaurant uses, and a multimodal transit hub to Downtown.

Vel R. Phillips Plaza, winner of the Public Space Award, following its creation and celebration of the local trailblazer. The plaza features kiosks with historical information on Phillips’ impact on the Civil Rights movement and will soon welcome a café.

Peggy Williams-Smith of Visit Milwaukee, winner of the Magnetism Award, for her work in putting Milwaukee in the national and international spotlight by securing the Republican National Convention. She and Visit Milwaukee provided comprehensive communication before, during and after the event, helping to position Downtown Milwaukee for future high-profile events.

Baird Center, winner of the Brick & Mortar Award, after opening its newly renovated facility in May 2024. The $465 million expansion doubled the convention center’s size to 1.3 million square-feet and ushers in a new era of accessibility, innovation and unrivaled event experiences.

Milwaukee Art Museum, winner of the Illuminating Community Award, for joining the growing list of Downtown buildings that are set aglow for special occasions. The Museum’s Quadracci Pavilion, particularly the Burke Brise Soleil, now has the capability to feature a spectrum of color and movement.

Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen, winner of the Night Owl Award, for reviving an 1874 Edward Townsend Mix-designed building celebrating 150 years, while also celebrating 10 years in business. Additionally, Central Standard has partnered with Milwaukee Downtown on numerous events, including Taste & Toast, Downtown Dining Week and Downtown Employee Appreciation Week.

Historic Milwaukee, Inc., winner of the Milestone Award, for celebrating 50 years of operation. They launched Loft Spaces and Hidden Traces in 1981 and Doors Open Milwaukee in 2011, and continue to raise awareness about local architecture and history through volunteer-led walking tours.

WUWM 89.7 FM, winner of the Milestone Award, for celebrating 60 years of operation. They broadcast locally-produced news and music, as well as national and international programming from NPR, APM and BBC. Plus, they produce the award-winning “Lake Effect” program.

Jeff Sherman, winner of the Downtown Advocate Award, for his positive coverage of Milwaukee news whether through his former post at OnMilwaukee.com or his new role on AM620 WTMJ’s “The Upswing.”

Chase Tower, winner of the Placemaker Award, for completing a multi-million-dollar renovation to elevate tenant experiences and rejuvenate an iconic building. Their commitment to Downtown Milwaukee also includes their openness to public space activations.

Downtown Neighbors Association (DNA), winner of the Downtown Partner Award, for enhancing neighborhood vitality through advocacy and quality-of-life improvements. DNA rallies its residents through socials, neighborhood cleanups and informational sessions focused on quality-of-life issues.

Cecilia “Queen” Gilbert, posthumously awarded the Downtown Legacy Award, for ensuring the successful and efficient operation of Downtown events while employed with the City, and for being an engaged and active Downtown resident. Gilbert was also an active participant on a number of boards including Friends of Cathedral Square Park, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Lakefront Festival of Art, the Pabst Mansion, Fresh Coast Jazz Festival, Visit Milwaukee and Connec+ing MKE: Downtown Plan 2040’s Community Council.

Dr. Michael Lovell, posthumously awarded the Downtown Legacy Award, for his leadership as Marquette University’s 24th president and his collaborations with Downtown-area business and community leaders, which helped to catalyze numerous transformational projects.

Paul Bartolotta of The Bartolotta Restaurants and Josh Albrecht of Visit Milwaukee, winners of the Prime Time Award, for their work in bringing “Top Chef” to Milwaukee. The pair helped to elevate Milwaukee’s dining scene while spotlighting more than a dozen Milwaukee attractions.

Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park, winner of the Leader of the Pack Award, for transforming an underutilized parcel into Downtown’s first public dog park. The 22,000-square-foot park will include separately fenced areas for small and large dogs, connect to Downtown’s pedestrian network by a new Riverwalk segment, and be adjacent to the Foxtown Landing brewery, distillery and restaurant. The dog park broke ground in September 2024 and will be completed by year end.

Ken and Dee Stein, winners of the Downtown Cheerleader Award, for being Downtown ambassadors as former business owners and now residents of Downtown Milwaukee. The couple operated Stein’s Jewelry on West Wisconsin Avenue for 44 years. They remain loyal attendees of Milwaukee Downtown’s lunchtime concerts, Employee Appreciation Week events and other Downtown happenings.

Fiserv, winner of the Downtown Investment Award, for relocating its global headquarters to HUB640 and adding 600 employees to Downtown’s workforce. The company has also invested in the Downtown community as an exclusive naming rights partner of Fiserv Forum, a multi-year presenting sponsor of the Milwaukee Night Market, and, most recently, a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Milwaukee World Festival to power payments at Summerfest. Fiserv also celebrates 40 years of operation this year.

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.