The Couture

Milwaukee Downtown names its 2024 Downtown Achievement Award Winners

Key downtown projects and organizations recognized at Milwaukee Downtown’s 2024 State of Downtown

Tim Walz Champions Unions in Milwaukee Labor Day Appearance

The Democratic nominee for vice president delivered a rallying speech at Laborfest.

Slow Going for New Luxury High-Rises

Couture and 333 Water attracting renters more slowly than past towers. Is local market getting saturated?

Council Kills Streetcar’s ‘Festivals Line’

Improved access to lakefront came with delay for other riders.

Tallest Building in Wisconsin Proposal Could Be Downsized, Stalled

Alderman Robert Bauman wants a market study conducted for each bid the city received.

Streetcar Will Use Festivals-Oriented Route Through Summer

Line makes it easier to access lakefront, but slower to travel north.

How To Get To Summerfest 2024

Spoiler alert: Don't expect to drive to the front door without spending $40.

Streetcar Route Changed Until Summerfest’s End

'Festivals Line' merges two lines. Easier lakefront access, slower northern trips.

See Inside New Third Ward Tower

333 Water will welcome its first residents Saturday.

The Hop’s Lines Will Merge For Easier Summerfest Service

'Festivals Line' will make it easier for first-time riders to get to lakefront.

Celebrate the Start of Summer at the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Lakefront Festival of Art

The fun-filled three-day art festival features artist booths, live music, local vendors, and more!

Streetcar Begins Daily Service To The Couture, BRT Will Soon Follow

Long-awaited milestone restores transit service to lakefront. Officials herald it as future of transit.

See The View From The Couture’s Upper Levels

Skyline defining tower will soon welcome its first residents.

New Third Ward Tower Will Be Milwaukee’s Priciest

And The Couture isn't far behind. Plus: A recap of week's real estate news.

Art in Bloom Fills the Milwaukee Art Museum with Spectacular Art-Inspired Floral Arrangements

Welcome spring at the Museum with an abundance of flowers, art making, and more!

The Couture Shows Off First Apartments

193 apartments will soon be available promising stunning views, 'incredible location.'

The Couture Opens for Leasing, Redefining the Milwaukee Lakefront Lifestyle

Prospective residents can begin the leasing process on the newly launched website: https://thecouturemke.com/

Milwaukee’s Three Streetcar Extensions Need Mayoral Direction

Extensions to Fiserv Forum, East Side, Walker's Point and Bronzeville need local funding source.

Streetcar Extension Opens Sunday

And at least one GOP congressman is already trying to stop it.

Ride Along On Streetcar Extension Before It Opens

City shows off "L Line" to lakefront before Oct. 29 opening.

Battery Electric Buses Will Return This Fall

Plus, ridership continues to increase and issues with real-time signs and mobile app have been fixed.

Lakefront Streetcar Extension Opens October 29

New line will operate as a 'preview' until spring 2024, when The Couture's base opens.

Committee Backs 4 Streetcar Extensions

If federal grants received, system could reach Fiserv Forum, East Side, Bronzeville and Walker's Point.

Tourism in Milwaukee sets new record with $6.018 billion economic impact in 2022

Greater Milwaukee area helps deliver statewide record year for tourism, accounting for more than 25% of total tourism impact in Wisconsin

Streetcar Rolling Through Rising Couture

Lakefront tower now stands 15 stories tall, while streetcar connection is built out in base.

East Side Tower Gets Final Approval

New Land proposal for 25-story building wins unanimous Common Council vote.

Federal Funds Creating Two New East-West BRT Stations

County transportation department planning two additional stations along East-West BRT.

See Inside The Couture’s Rise

Floors being poured on 5th level, while building core reaches 11th floor, 25% of final height.

100 East Tower Could Become Apartments

Office building is now mostly vacant, in foreclosure.

BRT Grant Could Fund Downtown Plaza

New $2 million federal grant frees up funds for downtown upgrades along Bus Rapid Transit line.

City Board Endorses $30 Million For NM’s $500 Million Tower Project

Subsidy also includes $10 million for bike, park and street improvements.

Group Unveils Plans To Replace 794 With Boulevard

Rethink 794 thinks replacing elevated freeway with boulevard could lead to $1.5 billion in development, better city.

City Seeking Grant For Streetcar Convention Center Extension

$33 million project could receive boost with $25 million in federal funds.

New Apartment Building Relies On Emerging Building Technology

Taxco Apartments constructed in part with insulated concrete form structure.

Congress Extends Streetcar Grant

Extended deadline for spending grant allows city to finish streetcar line through delayed Couture tower.

Third Ward Board Approves New Tower

Design approval for 31-story, 333-unit building with retail space facing river and outdoor patio.

The Couture Starts Massive Concrete Pour

78 truckloads of concrete for building's base. Developer exploring direct link to US Bank complex.

Johnson, Donovan Spar Over City’s Future

Candidates for mayor differ on streetcar, partisan politics and who favors defunding police.

Council Ends Battle Over Couture, City Attorney

Acting Mayor reverses position and now supports ending the fight.

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.

Council Could End Fight Over Couture Provision

But City Attorney and Acting Mayor object. Legality of requiring $100,000 donation at issue.

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.

Spencer Alleges Multiple City Hall Politicians Face Criminal Probes

Which officials? What are the charges? Who is investigating? City Attorney won't say.

Proposed Third Ward Tower Gets Shorter, Wider

Development loses a floor, but plans summer construction start.

The Couture Completion Delayed Until End of 2023

But tower crane installed and pile driving progressing.

City Needs Act of Congress Because of Couture-Streetcar Delay

City officials admit project is behind schedule.

City Attorney Tearman Spencer Is Running For Mayor

10th candidate in the race is a polarizing one.

The Couture Is Making Noise Downtown

Construction of 44-story apartment tower involves driving 192 large piles.

Stamper Wants Rat Inspections Of Excavations

Could the city possibly check every construction project for rat infestations?

Turmoil, Toxic Work Environment at City Attorney’s Office

Resignation forms cite ethical violations, poor treatment of women & more by Tearman Spencer.

Developer Credits Streetcar As Factor In Building Tower

32-story tower on Water Street a "prime example" of transit-oriented development.

Consulting Team Announced for New Downtown Plan

The plan is intended to guide development through 2040.

Plan Commission Okays Third Ward Tower

"Magnificent building,' says one commissioner. Apartments will be among city's most expensive.

City Proposes Study of Streetcar to Walker’s Point

Proposed extension would run from Third Ward south to 6th and National.

Council Ends City Attorney’s Review Power

Unanimous vote strips Spencer's ability to halt contracts and overrides Barrett veto.

Barrett, Officials Celebrate Couture Groundbreaking

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

Milwaukee Celebrates Couture Construction Investment In Community During Ceremonial Groundbreaking

Dignitaries from the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the AFL-CIO’s Housing Investment Trust and project partners including Barrett Lo Visionary Development, RINKA and Findorff join the celebration to mark this milestone

City Could Spend $100,000 To Argue Over $100,000

Fight between City Attorney Tearman Spencer and Common Council getting worse.

City Committee Approves Its Part of BRT Project

Agreement will have the city getting paid to plow snow in exchange for giving up traffic lanes.

Construction Starts on The Couture

Developer Rick Barrett is excited, greeting first construction equipment arriving on site.

A County Opinion on City Legal Dispute?

Dispute between council and City Attorney gets ever stranger, as committee requests county corp counsel's opinion.

We have great progress but also complex opportunities

The Couture Construction Begins May 5th

After years of delays, financing secured for complicated project to build 44-story lakefront tower.

Tearman Spencer Vs. City Hall

New City Attorney is quite public with his frustrations with those he is tasked with representing.

Council Committee Amends Milwaukee Tool Deal

Reporting requirements on employee race, gender, residency and wages added.

Milwaukee Area Labor Council Statement About The Couture

Council Approves New Deal for The Couture

After infighting, City Hall clearing way for $188 million tower.

Deal on The Couture Pending

Common Council will review revised agreement for $188 million tower Friday morning.

City Attorney Blocking The Couture

Spencer won't sign off on revised deal for downtown tower, saying Ald. Bauman overstepped his authority.

City Updating Downtown Plan

Equity and inclusion at forefront of latest effort.

Couture Plans August 2023 Completion

City agreement requires groundbreaking for 44-story lakefront tower by February 1st.

Lakefront Streetcar Extension Scheduled for June 2022 Opening

Plus: A rundown of the week's real estate news.

Couture to Start Construction in January

Barrett Lo raises equity needed for federal loan guarantee for 44-story lakefront tower.

The Couture Secures Financing For $188 million Project Construction to Begin January 2021

44-story mixed-use skyscraper will create new public amenities and thousands of new jobs

The Couture Developer Applies For Federal Loan Guarantee

Barrett Lo claims it has raised necessary funding to access critical guarantee.

Tracking Four Downtown Tower Proposals

Real estate news from Walker's Point, the East Side and Near West Side caps a busy week.

Still No Deal For The Couture. Yet

Sorry, Mark Belling, deal still isn't quite done, says developer.

NBA Player Plans Downtown Apartments

Big week in real estate with Couture taxes, Strauss, Marchese, Airbnb, Scott Lurie and more making headlines.

Couture Streetcar Extension Decision Pushed to June 2020

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

City Struggles on Couture Streetcar Extension

As project drags, officials to meet with Federal Transit Administration to discuss options.

Supervisors Question Couture Project

Staskunas says county should consider other options, doubts 44-story tower will happen.

The Couture Getting New Signage

Plus: Walker's Point brewery may become climbing gym, funding for Soldiers Home project.

The Couture Changes Financing Plan

Developer misses funding deadline, plans to apply again. Baird & Co. now working on the deal.

City Confident Couture Won’t Block Streetcar

Federal grant at risk if lakefront extension to The Couture isn't running by end of 2020.

The Couture Gets Financing Extension

Construction starts on Adams Garden Park, wellness center for King Drive.

The Couture Gets Financing Extension

State office building slated for near west side, Grand Ave might get $9 million.

County Committee Mollified on Couture

Delay on 44-floor lakefront tower had been issue, but key supervisors now happy.

Big Week of Real Estate News

The Couture, Michels and streetcar headline a busy week.

The Couture Cleared for Takeoff

Long-anticipated project receives financing commitment from federal government.

The Couture Still in Limbo

Plus: Plans to convert two schools to apartments advance, more affordable housing in Walker's Point

An East Side High Rise in 2019?

Mandel announces plans to break ground on Prospect Ave. tower

County Officials Suggest Taking Back Couture Site

Supervisors cite lack of progress on county-owned lakefront land.

Multiple Tower Groundbreakings in 2018

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

The Expanding Empire of Josh Jeffers

And why the curious contractor switcheroo for The Couture?

Couture Could Break Ground This Summer

Barrett Lo company reaffirms Findorff as general contractor.

Couture Seeks Commercial Tenants

44-story apartment tower will have 40,000 square left for a grocer, restaurants, medical office.

More Parking for Bikes

City ordinance would set new standards for bike parking in new and redeveloped buildings.

Couture’s Surprise Sewer Being Moved

Previously unknown sewer will cost city $2 million to move

City Approves The Couture

December groundbreaking likely; Barrett says second tower could be built.

Changes Made to Couture’s Design

Design tweaks address concerns of neighboring 833 East developer.

City Plan Members Love Couture

Commissioners laud the project, but possible second tower raises concerns.

Second Lakefront Tower Coming?

Barrett-Lo has made plans for second tower next to The Couture.

80 Transit Projects in 2017

Projects in U.S., Canada and Mexico include streetcar in Milwaukee.

Transit Center Tower Demolition

Five-story clock tower knocked down to make way for 44-floor apartment tower.

Milwaukee’s Most Schizophrenic Developer?

Joshua Jeffers is spending millions to redevelop the Mackie Building and famed Grain Exchange.

Goodbye Downtown Transit Center

Bus barn is coming down for 44-floor, lakefront high rise, The Couture.

New Stage for Summerfest Coming

U.S. Cellular inks 10-year deal; will spend millions to replace its music facility by 2018.

City Residents Hiring Program Falls Short

Promising effort employs minorities in construction, needs more monitoring and funding.

Streetcar Project Receives Federal Grant

City will use funding to study extension of streetcar to Bronzeville and Walker's Point.

Statement of IBEW Local 494 on Milwaukee County’s Sale of the Downtown Transit Center

"The Couture is the next big step forward in Milwaukee's ongoing renaissance."

Couture Economic Development Project to Move Forward

County Executive Chris Abele Announces Closing on Sale of Downtown Transit Center.

Last Buses Pull Out of Downtown Transit Center This Weekend

The Transit Center property was sold by Milwaukee County to developer Rick Barrett who is redeveloping the land into The Couture project.

Westin Hotel Rising

It will add 220 high-end hotel rooms to complex anchored by state's tallest building.

The Couture is Finally Happening

County to move bus routes off site at end of month, demolition of building imminent.

City Panel Approves Bus Rapid Transit

BRT line linking Downtown and Tosa moves forward, though some decry "the rush."

Council Okays Streetcar to Bucks Arena

$40 million extension would add .75 miles to route, also connect convention center.

10 Images of a Changing City

Think Milwaukee moves slowly? These dramatic interactive images will change your mind.

County Executive Chris Abele Announces Major Milestone in Couture Project

Federal Transit Authority Concurs on Plan That Will Create Thousands of Jobs, Millions in Economic Development

MAM Offers To Buy O’Donnell Park, War Memorial

County taxpayers will save at least $9 million in non-cash transaction.

Construction Starts on Westin Hotel

220-room hotel will be the closest hotel in the city to the lakefront.

Inside 833 East

Step inside the new 18-story office tower that will help transform the lakefront.

5 Wangard Projects to Watch For in 2016

A big year for the developer and proof the city's development momentum hasn't slowed.

Ten Predictions for 2016

A new downtown strip club, less crime, more Sheriff Clarke. It's all coming… we think.

Abele buys second Moderne condo for $700,000

The Design Competition That Wasn’t

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

Black Leaders Say Joblessness Among Black Men is Rooted in Racism

Summit explores the causes of high black male unemployment in Milwaukee.

Lakefront Gateway Design Winner Named

Local firm Graef Selected for $23 million project to create a "beautiful" and "active" plaza.

Overshadowed a bit by neighbors, 833 East expects tenants by March

Supervisor Patricia Jursik Congratulates Rick Barrett on Couture Project

But Chairwoman of Economic and Community Development Committee Asks for Assurances on Public Access

Construction work for The Couture could begin in 2016

Preserve Our Parks will not appeal lawsuit, clearing way for Couture on Milwaukee’s lakefront

Couture legal challenge ends, clearing way for lakefront high-rise

Preserve Our Parks gives up its fight against The Couture

Will Milwaukee Choose High Line’s Designer?

James Corner is one of four finalists to create $30 million lakefront bridge. It’s a great design.

The City’s $30 Million Design Project

National competition for lakefront bridge could have huge impact, but city’s process raises questions.

Battle to build The Couture could be nearing end

Streetcar Construction Starts in October

On-going engineering work continues to save millions of dollars. And anti-streetcar group has given up trying to stop the starter line.

Court’s decision allows transit center sale for Couture development

Judge clears way for county land sale for Couture high-rise

1,449 New Apartments Coming

And more are on the way, all within a two-mile radius of City Hall.

Yes, Johnson Controls Wants to Build Downtown

The city will help pay for feasibility study of company building a high-rise near the lake and just west of Discovery World.

Bay View’s Golden Age?

A proposal for five new apartment buildings in Bay View. And will At Random be razed?

Plans Proceed to Enhance Lakefront

An internationally unique visitors center announced for Lakeshore State Park. And the Lakefront Gateway Project proceeds.

More Delays in Lakefront Development

County board's contradictory proposals on O'Donnell Park and court case affecting The Couture continue to stall potential development.

Northwestern Mutual Could Demolish a City Block

Will entire city block be used to build 1,000 car parking garage? And will The Couture dispute ever get settled?

Bay View Boos Building

Some pan the design of proposed Bay View "gateway" project. Meanwhile, the Dover Street School project hits a snag.

Huge Growth for Brady and Water

Three different developments will add 740 apartments and tremendous urban density to the area.

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.

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.

A Week of Ground-Breaking News

Announcement of Johnson Controls' 50-story lakefront tower is week's biggest development.

Four New Bus Routes Start Sunday

MCTS will include three more express lines, offering better service for high-demand routes.

Why the Streetcar Won’t Work

The planned route will duplicate bus routes and won’t solve any of the city’s needs.

Defining Lakefront Vision Moves Forward

Sale of Couture Development Approved

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.

Chairwoman Marina Dimitrijevic Announces New Commitment of $200,000 in Workforce Development Funding on Couture and Streetcar Projects

Additional Funding Will Train and Connect Residents with Jobs

Committee Approves Milwaukee Streetcar

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

Milwaukee County Supervisor Michael Mayo, Sr. Announces Opposition to Downtown Transit Center and O’Donnell Park Sales

Says Proposals Amount to “Fire Sale” by County

Supervisors Announce Support for Couture Project

They Applaud Economic and Community Development Committee for Approval of Project

New Express Bus Routes Start in January

The good news: Three new express routes will move riders more quickly across the county. The bad: transit system running out of money.

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 O’Donnell Purchase a Sweetheart Deal?

Northwestern Mutual won’t sign full deed restriction for county deal, leaving it free to develop a high-rise development on lakefront land.

Next Stops For The Streetcar

The devil is in the details of tax incremental financing and various meetings and approvals needed before construction begins.

Barrett Moving Forward With Streetcar

If Common Council approves at December 16 meeting, construction would start in late 2015, and Milwaukee would follow in footsteps of many other cities.

City Unveils New Plan to Build on $2.6 Billion in Downtown Investment by Moving the Streetcar Project Forward, Adding Lakefront Line

Plan Covers Lakefront Line, Utility Costs Without Property Tax Dollars; Operations Slated to Begin by 2018

WRTP/BIG STEP Board of Directors taps Mark Kessenich as New President and Chief Executive Officer

After an extensive nationwide search, WRTP/BIG STEP, a nationally recognized, workforce development intermediary is excited to announce that Mark Kessenich has been named President and CEO.

Jonathan Brostoff

"Without a doubt, some big investors are betting on Milwaukee’s future..."

The Tragedy of O’Donnell Park

The proposed sale to NML suggests the city has yet to learn from its folly in building this eyesore.

700 E. Kilbourn High-Rise Wins Key Approval

Proposed high-rise would add up to 275 "ultra luxury" apartments to downtown Milwaukee -- with no public financing.

Charlie Fox Comments on County Executive’s Budget in Absence of District Supervisor

Charlie Fox, candidate in the November 4 Special Election for the open 5th District Milwaukee County Board seat, attended County Executive Abele’s 2015 budget presentation.

New Apartment Building Coming to the Third Ward

Two developers partner up for a new building that is going to have a very odd shape.

Chicago Firm Unveils Designs for 35-Story Tower

New skyscraper would contain up to 275 apartments in downtown Milwaukee.

833 East, the Unsung Hero of Office Towers

New high rise office building has no city subsidy and will add to the property tax base immediately.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin Issues Statement in Support of the Couture Development

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (HCCW) announced its support of Barrett Visionary Development’s Couture project

Great Plan Gets Even Better!

1.9 Acres of Public Space and Direct Access to Lakefront Highlights Updated Couture Plan

Milwaukee’s Biggest Building Breaks Ground

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

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.

Barrett Drops Hotel From The Couture Plans

Why the Art Museum Addition Must Not Be Built

This could be the biggest architectural mistake Milwaukee has ever made.

Supervisor Jursik Criticizes Shoreline Bill

Jursik Says Shoreline Bill Washes Out Trustee Duty to Protect Public Access

County Executive Abele Statement on Shoreline Bill

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele supports a bipartisan state bill that will be considered this week by the state Assembly to formally recognize the Milwaukee shoreline boundary that was established in 1913.

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 Lakefront Still Lack a Vision?

Panelists at Discovery World conference debate plans and opportunities for Milwaukee's lakefront. A report with photos.

Couture to bring grocer to Milwaukee lakefront

Why The Couture Could Wow the Nation

Few cities have built towers this tall (44 stories) since 2000. This could be a coup for Milwaukee. (Second of two-part series)

City a National Leader in Skyscrapers

Since 2000, Milwaukee ranks 10th among 67 big cities in high-rises built per capita. Part I of a two-part series.

The Curious Case of Kimberly Walker

The board is angry at Abele so they fired Walker. Go figure.

How the Moderne Lost Some of its Swagger

Value engineering made it stouter, but it’s still minor miracle a building this good was created.

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra considers move to Couture

Rocky’s Throne of Stone

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

Pizza and the Park East

Pizza Man and The Couture win approvals and a Park East hotel is also likely to be okayed.

The High Cost of the County Board

We could save millions and improve efficiency by cutting the county board and its huge staff.

County Board Approves Negotiations for The Couture

Proposed 44-floor building for lakefront stays on track

County Threatened With Lakefront Lawsuit

County committee okays negotiations with The Couture developer, despite a casual threat of lawsuit.

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.

Abele vs County Board — Again

Someone leaked the info on Abele's plan for a 44 story lakefront tower, leaving him apologizing to the board.

44-Floor Tower Proposed for Lakefront

A new 44-story tower proposed for Milwaukee.